Arrest over Mortal Kombat drug boy

Mortal Kombat tablets have been linked to a number of young people falling ill

A teenager has been arrested after a 16-year-old boy was treated in intensive care as a result of having apparently taken drugs at a party.

The ill youth was said to have been in a serious but stable condition after taking what may have been a Mortal Kombat ecstasy tablet at a house party in Coatbridge on Saturday.

Police said they had arrested another 16-year-old male.

He is expected to appear at Airdrie Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

A 17-year-old boy was also treated at Monklands General Hospital in Airdrie on Saturday night. He was released after treatment.

Warnings about the red pills were issued following the death of 17-year-old Regane MacColl, who had been at the Arches nightclub in Glasgow, last month.

'Dangerous chemicals'

Det Ch Insp Paul Livingstone said: "We are continuing to work with our partner agencies, including health officials and medical staff, in connection with this investigation.

"At this time our priority is to ensure that everyone who was at the house party is safe and well and officers are carrying out extensive inquiries to trace everyone involved.

"Further to previous warnings, I would again strongly advise people to avoid illicit drugs as their exact content is unknown and can contain dangerous chemicals.

"Users must be aware of these dangers and understand the devastating effect they can have."

An NHS Lanarkshire spokeswoman said: "Anyone who has taken ecstasy - particularly the one described as Mortal Kombat - and who is feeling unwell, or who knows someone who has taken this type of drug in the past few hours, should attend or contact their local hospital for treatment and advice."