Deadly opioid found in heroin linked to two deaths

Tests carried out on the substances found they contained the banned synthetic opioid nitazenes

A banned synthetic opioid has been found in the substances seized in north Devon following the deaths of two people.

Devon and Cornwall Police declared a major incident on 26 April after two men died and 10 others were admitted to hospital from what officers said was an "unusual batch" of heroin.

Tests carried out on the substances found they contained nitazenes, a banned synthetic opioid, the force said.

Supt Toby Davies, local policing area commander for North and West Devon, said the substance was "incredibly dangerous".

A BBC investigation last month found nitazenes - more deadly than heroin - were linked to nearly three UK deaths a week on average.

Supt Davies said: "We believe there is no wider threat to the community and that the substance found [last] Friday has been contained.

"We are aware that our health partners are working with local drug users in a bid to safeguard them as much as possible."

Officers arrested five people, three men and two women, on suspicion of being involved in the supply of a controlled substance.

All five were released on police bail pending further inquiries, said police.