DRUG users have been warned after a particularly dangerous batch of cocaine hit the streets of Essex.

Cilve Emmett, spokesman for Essex based drugs charity Open Road, has asked users to take extra care after at least two people were hospitalised and the ambulance service issued a warning.

A young man from Tiptree was fighting for his life in Broomfield Hospital after taking a hazardous batch of cocaine at a party in the village on Friday.

By the Saturday he was struggling to breath and was put on a ventilator.

No further updates on his condition are available.

Another teenager, an 18-year-old from Chelmsford, was sent to Basildon University Hospital over the same weekend for treatment to his heart.

It is feared the same batch of cocaine may be responsible.

Mr Emmett said: “We have been alerted and put up warnings in all our centres about a bad batch of drugs which can cause serious illness and death.”

And with the weekend coming up and casual users most at risk he urged anyone with concerns who needs advice or support to call 0844 499 1323

See the full story in Thursday's Gazette.