POLICE are probing the sudden death of a man who collapsed in the street.

The 49-year-old died in Basildon Hospital despite attempts to save him.

He suddenly fell to ground unconscious as he walked along Timberlog Close, Basildon, with two friends shortly before midnight on Monday. The pair tried to administer CPR while they waited for paramedics to arrive.

Forensics officers later visited the scene. His death is being investigated as it believed to be linked to drugs.

Det Insp Jasmine Frost said: “It was about 11.50pm when a male collapsed in the street at the corner of Timberlog Close and Chalice Close.

“He was taken to hospital, where he died.

“His death is being treated as drugs-related.

“It is unexplained at this moment in time but it is not being treated as suspicious.

“Crime scene investigators have been down there to take photographs.

“It is a very sad set of circumstances.”

She added that the man, who lived in the town, has not been formally identified. His next of kin habe not been informed.

Phil Turner, leader of Basildon Council, urged people to turn in dealers and report suspicious activity in a bid to rid the town of drugs.

He said: “Drugs seem to be in every part of society and the community is being blighted by them.

“We know that there is a drug culture right across the country and Basildon is no different - it is experiencing its fair share of problems.

“We need to come together as a community and try to out the dealers as much as we possibly can.

“When we have a sad case such as this, it may serve to remind residents to report anything suspicious that they may come across.

“This is tragic.

“Every victim has a family and my condolences go out to them.

“I want to renew my calls to clear up this drug culture.”

An ambulance service spokesman said: “We were called to attend Chalice Close, in Basildon, at 11.52pm with reports that a man believed to be in his forties had collapsed and was unconscious.

“We dispatched an ambulance crew, which was on scene within six minutes, supported by the rapid response vehicle and an ambulance officer.

“We took him to Basildon Hospital.”

Anybody with information about the incident can call Essex Police on 101, or crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 5551111.

An online form can also be submitted anonymously via crimestoppers-uk.org.