Third charge in drug-related deaths investigation

Two people died in Avon Way, Colchester, on 11 and 12 May

A third man has been charged as part of a police investigation into a series of deaths related to drugs.

Three people have died in Colchester recently after consuming class A drugs, said Essex Police.

A 19-year-old from London has been charged and appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

He has been charged with two offences of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession of cannabis and acquiring a criminal property.

In total, five people have been arrested and three people have now been charged since police started investigating the incidents last week.

On Tuesday, at about 09:00 BST, police said they stopped a vehicle in Circular Road North in Colchester when the 19-year-old and another teenager were arrested.

The second teenager, 18, has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Insp Mark Jones said: "The action being taken against drug lines operating in Colchester is continuing.

"Since the tragic deaths of three people, we have made five arrests so far, and three people have now been charged."