Overview

• A man in his 40s was found dead in the Harlow Green area of Gateshead on June 20
• Four individuals in the same vicinity suffered cardiac arrests between June 19 and 20
• Investigators have launched an early-stage inquiry into whether all cases stem from one toxic batch of drugs
• Chief Superintendent Aelfwynn Sampson warned users about the batch’s potentially fatal consequences
• Police have informed the victim’s next of kin and are urging anyone with information to come forward via social media or the force’s website