Police have issued an urgent warning over a possible deadly batch of heroin following two deaths in Clacton.

Two men - who include a teenager and who are both known to be heroin users - died within two days of each other.

The 18-year-old, who has not been named by police, was discovered by his room mate in bed at his flat above a shop in Coopers Lane just after 11pm on Saturday.

On Friday morning, a 49-year-old, who is also not being named until family have been informed, was found dead at a guesthouse in Edith Road by his landlord.

He had been living at the premises for the past four months.

Det Insp Len Jarman, of Clacton police, said officers were concerned that the two deaths are linked to a bad batch of heroin circulating in the area.

Post mortem examinations were carried out on both men yesterday afternoon by a forensic pathologist at Colchester General to discover the exact cause of death.

The post mortems proved inconclusive and toxicology reports, which could take weeks to complete, have now been ordered.

However it is believed both men died within just a few hours of taking the drug.

Essex coroner Dr Malcolm Weir has been informed and an inquest will be held at a later date.

Mr Jarman said it was very early in the investigation but it is feared that it was a particularly pure batch of heroin.

"Both these men died within 36 hours of each other and that is particulary unusual and makes it particularly serious," he said.

"We urgently need information about supplies of heroin so that we can trace the source and prevent any further tragedies," he said.

"We appeal for anyone with any information which will help us to come forward and it will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Anyone who can help police should contact Clacton CID on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

One man was today still helping Clacton police with their inquiries into one of the deaths.

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