8 People Treated After Taking Heroin

Police in Dorset have issued a warning after six people were hospitalised and two people were seen by paramedics after taking heroin.

On Saturday night (Nov 13th), paramedics were called to six separate locations across Bournemouth, one in Dorchester and one in Wareham after people who had taken heroin suffered adverse reactions to the drug.

Two women and a man were still in Royal Bournemouth Hospital yesterday and another man was in Poole General Hospital.

Their conditions are not thought to be life threatening.

Earlier today, two men were discharged, one from Royal Bournemouth Hospital and the other from Dorset County Hospital.

Another man received treatment from paramedics last night, while a further man refused treatment when paramedics attended.

Detective Inspector Steve Thorpe, of Dorset Police’s Public Protection Unit, said:

“Although toxicology tests have yet to confirm this, we believe that these people may have been hospitalised as a result of taking the same batch of heroin.

“They have clearly had an adverse reaction to the drug which could be as a result of this batch of heroin being particularly strong or being mixed with other substances.

“While I would never condone heroin use, it is important that users are aware that so many people have suffered such bad reactions to taking the drug last night.

“In light of these recent incidents, I’d advise family, friends and acquaintances of anyone who uses heroin to make contact with them to check on their welfare. Anyone with any concerns, should contact Dorset Police on 01202 222 222.”

Five people have been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and are currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.