A man has died and a major incident declared by emergency services after an unusually strong batch of heroin was circulated in North Devon.
A number of people have also been treated in hospital.
Four people have been arrested in connection to the incident, two men and two women.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “At around 5pm on Friday, Devon & Cornwall Police and partners across the north of the county became aware of what is believed to have been an unusually strong batch of heroin was circulated locally.
“Emergency service partners declared a major incident due to the threat posed to the drug using community locally. That major incident has now been stood down this morning, Saturday, April 27..
“By 12 midnight on Saturday, April 27, a total of eight people had been treated in hospital after they had believed to have taken some of the heroin. This covered three locations across North Devon in Westward Ho!, Bideford and Barnstaple.
“Sadly, a ninth person, a man, died having taken a substance, despite medical treatment at the scene.
“Following police investigations, two men and two women have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of a controlled substance.
“All currently remain in police custody.”
North and West Devon local policing area commander Superintendent Toby Davies said: “As soon as we were made aware of the issue this substance was likely to cause on Friday evening, we did everything possible with partners to reach out to the drug using community to warn them of potential danger they were facing.
“We continue to work with health partners to warn those who may be substance users to exercise extreme caution. However, we would reassure the community we believe this is now contained.
“If anyone fears they are in danger or are in the company of someone suffering a medical episode, we would ask they contact 999 to seek appropriate medical help.”
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