11th arrest as investigation into weekend drug deaths continues

An eleventh person has been arrested as part of a Northumbria Police investigation into the tragic deaths of four young people.
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The force launched an inquiry into the deaths of an 18-year-old man from Washington, two 18-year-old Newcastle University students and a 21-year-old Northumbria University student over the weekend.

A number of arrests were made in connection with the investigation in the aftermath of the young people’s deaths, with three men – aged between 18 and 21 – now released on police bail.

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Seven other individuals were also arrested by Northumbria Police and subsequently released under investigation.

Northumbria Police was called to a report of a cardiac arrest at a property on the Coach Road Estate, Washington, on Saturday, October 3.Northumbria Police was called to a report of a cardiac arrest at a property on the Coach Road Estate, Washington, on Saturday, October 3.
Northumbria Police was called to a report of a cardiac arrest at a property on the Coach Road Estate, Washington, on Saturday, October 3.

On Tuesday, October 6, a police spokesperson confirmed that a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs; the eleventh arrest in the inquiry.

The man has now been released on police bail.

Chief Inspector Steve Wykes encouraged any students in possession of illegal drugs to contact their university wellbeing teams or visit their local police station to dispose of them safely.

He said on Tuesday: “We are all still in shock at what has been an incredibly sad and difficult weekend.

Northumbria Police has now made 11 arrests in connection with the investigation into the four deaths.Northumbria Police has now made 11 arrests in connection with the investigation into the four deaths.
Northumbria Police has now made 11 arrests in connection with the investigation into the four deaths.
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Arrests made in connection with teenager's suspected drug death in Washington as...
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“Public safety is our absolute priority and we are working closely with our partners at the universities and in the local authorities to ensure all students and everyone living in our local communities are fully supported at this time.

“We are committed to tackling illegal drugs supply as these substances have no place in our communities.

“If you are in possession of illegal drugs, we would encourage you to dispose of them safely and not run the risk of causing yourself any harm by taking them.

"We also don’t want anyone else being put at risk if they are not disposed of responsibly, for example if they are left somewhere where they could be picked up.”

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Jeni Larmour, from Northern Ireland, has been named locally as one of the 18-year-old Newcastle University students who died.

The names of the other three people who lost their lives have not yet been released.

Northumbria Police has advised students who wish to dispose of drugs to contact their university’s wellbeing teams.

Residents can also visit their local police station, where their details will be taken and public health advice issued, before substances are disposed of on a case-by-case basis.

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