Police have confirmed the drugs an Essex teenager took before becoming critically ill were not contaminated but very strong.

Fifteen-year-old Michael Pritchard is still in a critical condition in hospital after taking amphetamine, which was bought from a Witham house.

Michael, who lives in Tiptree and whose father lives in Munro Road, Witham, was rushed to intensive care last Tuesday after taking the drug the previous day.

Police initially issued warnings that "rogue" speed could have been to blame and urged people not to take drugs, especially if they had been bought in Witham.

But now officers investigating have found some drugs from the same batch and following tests are satisfied it was not contaminated.

Detective Inspector Peter Orpe said tests revealed the amphetamine taken by the teenager was "particularly strong" and he advised people against buying amphetamine or any other illegal drug.

A 17-year-old girl who had also taken the drug has been released from hospital.

Four men and three women, aged between 17 and 24, have been arrested in connection with the boy's collapse and released on police bail until March 14 pending further enquiries.

A police spokesman said they are from the Colchester, Braintree and Witham areas.

Published Monday January 14, 2002