Overview

• A 14-year-old girl was found dead at her home in Hartlepool on May 5, with her death being treated as unexplained by Cleveland Police.
• A 55-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman were arrested in connection with the case and have since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
• Police have launched an active investigation, with one line of inquiry focusing on the possible involvement of illegal vaping products.
• Authorities have clarified that a separate incident involving schoolchildren falling ill from potentially drug-laced vapes is not linked to the girl's death.
• The local community remains concerned over youth access to illicit vaping products, as scrutiny of their safety continues to grow.