Overdose warning after suspected sleeping pill death

Several people who overdosed were taken to Stockton's North Tees Hospital for treatment

An urgent warning has been issued following a man's death from a suspected sleeping pill overdose.

The alert was issued by public health officials after the death and the hospitalisation of seven others who were treated in North Tees Hospital in Stockton last weekend.

Police have said the overdoses could be linked to a contaminated batch of zopiclone, a medication used to treat insomnia.

The warning issued by four authorities, including Stockton and Middlesbrough councils, said a street-bought zopiclone and pregabalin tablets could contain a "dangerous substance".

Health chiefs are also advising drug users to be cautious and avoiding mixing drugs or taking them with alcohol.

They are also being urged to carry Naloxone kits to treat overdoses.

The drug alert was issued jointly by four councils

Earlier this week, Cleveland Police said officers are still working to ascertain the "source and nature" of the drug linked to the fatal overdose and several others.

The force had initially said the man who died on Friday night was thought to have taken pills from a possibly compromised batch of zopiclone, which is legally available on prescription only.