An urgent plea has been issued to class A drug users as the death toll reaches six since Sunday.

Police have confirmed a sixth suspected drug death in south Essex and issued emergency medical advice.

A woman in her 30s was found dead in Southend on Sunday morning.

Two women and three men died on Monday and Tuesday.

Investigators believe all six deaths may be linked to the sale of Class A drugs.

Tests are ongoing to identify exactly what substance or substances are involved.

Chief Supt Kevin Baldwin said: “We are concerned by these deaths and have dedicated officers working around the clock to investigate the circumstances.


“At this stage we believe these incidents are contained to the south of the county but part of our enquiries is to see whether other parts of Essex are affected.


“We believe the deaths are linked to the taking of Class A drugs and are carrying out tests to establish exactly what the substance or substances involved are.


“Until we have the results of those tests we’re not going to speculate about what’s involved or how it was taken.

“Our message is clear though – if you are considering taking Class A drugs, please don’t.”

The type of drugs consumed are yet to be confirmed but medical advice linked to opiod use, such as heroin, has been issued.

Doctors are issuing advice to those who may have already taken drugs who will be worried.

A spokesman for Public Health England said: "We are urging drug users to be extra careful about what they are taking.

"We strongly advise them not to use alone and to test a small amount first. 

“They need to look out for each other and be alert to any signs of an overdose, such as lack of consciousness, shallow or no breathing, ‘snoring’, and blueing of the lips and fingertips.

 “They should immediately call for an ambulance and use any available naloxone if someone overdoses on opioids.

"We strongly advise all dependent drug users to get support from local drug services.

“Anyone who is concerned about a medical problem and isn’t sure what to do, can get help online or over the phone using NHS 111. 

“Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 from your phone for advice. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“If it is a medical emergency – if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk – call 999.”

A woman in her 40s was found dead on Canvey Island yesterday evening (Tuesday 30 July).

It follows the deaths of three men and a woman in Leigh, Westcliff, Canvey, and Benfleet in the space of around 36 hours.

There are a number of services in the Southend area which provide support.

Southend Council commissions STARS, the Southend Treatment and Recovery Service, which provides specialist treatment to adults to address their drug and alcohol use, supporting their recovery in the community, and can provide access to detox and rehabilitation in residential settings where necessary. 

Southend Council also commission the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Team who work with people up to the age of 21 to address their drug or alcohol misuse

In addition, national organisations such as Narcotics Anonymous are active in the area to provide a support network for people affected by drugs, and information and advice about drugs and their effects is available from www.talktofrank.com

Anyone with information about these deaths or the sale of Class A drugs please call us on 101 or Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.