More charges in drug-related deaths investigation

Two people died in Avon Way, Colchester, over the weekend in suspected drug-related deaths

Two more people have been charged in connection with a series of what police believed were drug-related deaths.

Essex Police said three people had died since the weekend having consumed suspected Class A drugs in Colchester.

The force charged a 19-year-old man and a 20-year-old man, both from London, with a number of offences after an investigation began.

A 21-year-old man from London was released on bail while inquiries continued.

Insp Christopher Coyles, of Colchester’s local policing team, said there would be extra police patrols in the city to reassure residents.

“I appreciate there will be a very real and understandable concern following the news of three deaths linked to drug use in Colchester," he added.

The 20-year-old man, from south London, was charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place, possession with intent to supply heroin and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.

He appeared before magistrates on Wednesday and was remanded in custody until a further hearing, police said.

The 19-year-old man, from east London, was charged with being concerned in the supply of heroin and concerned in the supply of crack cocaine.

He was due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.