Second death after suspected drug overdoses

A second man has died and another person has become ill after several suspected drug overdoses in Grimsby, police said.

Humberside Police said it received reports of the death of a man on Willingham Street in the early hours of Friday morning.

The force said it followed the death of a man and multiple people becoming ill after a number of suspected overdoses between 6 and 10 February.

The force said seven men, aged from 20 to 33, and two women, aged 22 and 32, have been charged with drug offences and inquiries are ongoing.

In total, police said two people have died and 12 people have become ill from suspected drug overdoses in the area.

The force said it was investigating whether the incidents were linked and was considering the possibility a contaminated substance may be in circulation.

Det Insp Tom Kelly said: "I understand these incidents will be concerning for the local community and I want to offer my reassurance that I have a dedicated team of officers progressing a thorough investigation."

He added: "Our priority is to identify and target those suspected of being involved in the supply of drugs in our area, and to prevent any further harm."

The force asked anyone with information to get in touch.

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