A man has died after taking what police believe was “potentially contaminated” insomnia pills.
Cleveland Police said the man was thought to have taken medication from a possibly compromised batch of zopiclone, which could “cause significant illness or lead to an overdose”.
It said seven other people who were believed to have taken the pills had been taken to North Tees General Hospital in Stockton-on-Tees on Friday.
Officers have urged anyone with information to contact the force.