PURE HEROIN LINKED TO SIX DEATHS

Detectives fear that six drug users have died in a little over a week
after overdosing on a 'potentially lethal' form of heroin.

Police suspect that the link between the deaths of four men and two
women in Norfolk over the past nine days could be a particularly pure
form of heroin known as China White.

It is the second time in recent weeks that police have warned about
the dangers of China White. Nine people are thought to have died over
the past two months in Bristol after taking the drug.

PC Richard Price, Norfolk police's drugs education officer, said users
could be taking China White without realising it was far stronger than
normal forms of heroin bought on the street.

'We are almost certain that all six deaths are drug-related and we are
reasonably sure that they all relate to this particular brand,' he
said.

'Users need to be aware that they may be taking something considerably
higher in purity and therefore of greater danger. The outcome of its
use cannot be predicted.'

He said the six deaths, the latest of which was last night, had been
in Norwich and Great Yarmouth. In two cases a white powder was found
at the scene of death.

Police said most heroin used on the streets was light or dark brown
powder. China White resembled pharmaceutical heroin used in hospitals.

PC Price said detectives were now trying to trace the source of the
drug, and would probably be liaising with their counterparts in Bristol.

None of the victims, all said to be young adults, has been
named.

PC Price said it was the first time police had become aware of the
presence of China White in Norfolk.