Ecstasy: Two Deaths Linked To Tainted Pills

Two people have died in two days and several others are in hospital after possibly taking contaminated ecstasy tablets.

Greater Manchester Police said it is investigating whether a batch of the illegal drugs circulating in the area could have led to the deaths of the two "apparently fit young men".

Gareth Ashton, 28, died at Wigan Infirmary on Monday, police have confirmed.

A 19-year-old died at Oldham Hospital on Sunday.

Both were admitted to hospital after complaining of feeling unwell and suffered the same symptoms.

Toxicology tests are due to take place to establish their cause of death.

Police have also been made aware of a number of other people who have been admitted to hospital suffering similar symptoms in the last few days.

The contaminated drugs are believed to be heart shaped and coloured purple, green, yellow and blue.

Detective Chief Inspector Howard Millington from Wigan CID said: "We are very concerned at how these deaths of two apparently fit young men have occurred.

"It is believed several other people have been admitted to hospital suffering from similar symptoms.

"It is possible that they are linked and this is something we are exploring as part of the investigation.

"Our main concern is that there may be a contaminated quantity of illegal drugs and if this goes unchecked it could result in further deaths."

Anyone with information can phone police on 0161 856 7149 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.