Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Second man dies after ‘unusually strong’ heroin circulates in Devon

His death is believed to be as a result of taking the same substance which circulated across Westward Ho!, Bideford and Barnstaple.

Ted Hennessey
Sunday 28 April 2024 06:53 EDT
A second man has died after an ‘unusually strong batch’ of heroin circulated across north Devon (Peter Byrne/PA)
A second man has died after an ‘unusually strong batch’ of heroin circulated across north Devon (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Archive)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A second man has died after an “unusually strong batch” of heroin circulated across north Devon.

One man died as a result of taking the substance on Friday while a second man, who had earlier been admitted to hospital, died late on Saturday.

His death is believed to be as a result of taking the same substance which circulated across Westward Ho!, Bideford and Barnstaple, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

While we believe the substance found on Friday has been contained and there is no threat to the wider community, we continue to investigate the circumstances of the now two deaths as a result of taking this substance

Detective superintendent Ben Davies

A total of 10 people have been admitted to hospital for treatment, including the man who died. Two remain in hospital.

Two men and two women arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of a controlled substance have now been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A major incident had been declared, but it was stood down on Saturday morning.

Senior investigating officer detective superintendent Ben Davies said: “While we believe the substance found on Friday has been contained and there is no threat to the wider community, we continue to investigate the circumstances of the now two deaths as a result of taking this substance.

“We are continuing to carry out tests in order to ascertain what the substance is, but suspect it is a form of heroin combined with another substance which users will find causes more serious effects than heroin which they might usually use.”

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in