Man dies and eight are rushed to hospital due to 'bad batch' of heroin as police declare major incident

Police declared a major incident as a 'bad batch' of heroin killed one man and put nine other people in hospital, as four people are taken into custody 'concerned in the supply of drugs'.

At around 5pm on Friday Devon and Cornwall police became aware of what is believed to be an 'unusually strong batch of heroin' circulating in the area.

Nine people who are believed to of taken the heroin were hospitalised with one man sadly dying.

Devon and Cornwall police sent out an 'urgent' notice on social media site X last night declaring a major incident over the bad batch 'going around North Devon' that was 'making people very ill'.

They said: 'We have been dealing with a public health incident with our partners. 9 casualties across 3 locations in North Devon area needed emergency medical treatment.'

They asked people to check on any known drug users and said: 'do not take any controlled substances'.

Police were working with the South Western Ambulance to tackle the major incident that sent nine people to hospital to receive emergency treatment.

Devon and Cornwall Police released a statement that says: 'While there is no wider concerns to the North Devon community, we are advising drug users to exercise extreme caution as there is significant concern for welfare.

'If any member of the community or any drug user is concerned, we would ask they call 999 to seek the appropriate guidance and assistance.'