POLICE are concerned that a potentially dangerous batch of class A drugs could be circulating around Basildon after a cocaine user stripped naked in pub toilets while he was on a high.

Officers were called over concern for the welfare of a man, who had stripped off in a cubicle in the toilets of the Honey Pot pub, at Festival Leisure Park.

The man from Basildon, aged in his twenties, told the police he had never had a reaction like that before.

Special constable Dan O’Connell and PC Tony Mayo, both from the dog unit, were called to the scene to deal with him.

Mr O’Connell said: “A concern for welfare call came in and myself and Tony went along to assist.

“He was naked in a cubicle.

“We managed to get get him dressed and out of the cubicle. His heart rate was going ten to the dozen.

“He was high on drugs and had white powder around his nose.

“He is a regular cocaine user and told us that he had never had a reaction like that before.

“There could be some bad drugs going around the area, particularly after there was a warning a couple of weeks ago about a dangerous batch in Chelmsford.”

In January, Essex Police issued warnings about a potentially dangerous batch of drugs that are in circulation in the county, particularly in the Chelmsford area.

Officers wanted to warn drug users after eight people were taken ill after possibly taking crack cocaine or heroin.

Four people stayed in hospital overnight in a stable condition as a result.

Police appealed for anyone who may have brought heroin or cocaine in the past 48 hours not to take it.

The latest incident happened last week.

The man was taken to hospital for treatment and was not arrested for any drugs or public order offences.

No drugs were found on him.

Essex Police have a dedicated drugs gang team, codenamed Operation Raptor, which carries out proactive patrols, stop checks on vehicles and search warrants on homes.

Last year, Essex Police announced that drugs with an estimated street value of more than £2million have been taken off the streets of Essex since the launch of Operation Raptor

Anyone with information about drug-dealing in Basildon can call Essex Police on 101 or crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.