Lancaster University students admitted to hospital after taking drugs

Some students were taken to hospital from The Sugarhouse nightclub, on Sugarhouse Alley in Lancaster, due to the effects of drugs and drink.

Two men, who were visiting friends from the university, were sent to hospital following the consumption of the black shield shape tablets. Two women had taken a powder substance, whilst another two women, all students from Lancaster University, had taken too much alcohol.

All have since been discharged from hospital, except one who remains undergoing observations.

The tablets that they are thought to have taken are described as a black shield shape with a crest or logo on the front of them.

DS 3308 James Edmonds from Lancaster CID said: “I would urge anyone to refrain from taking these tablets or indeed any sort of drug because the message is clear – you don’t know what you’re taking and the risk you are putting on your health could be devastating.

“Fortunately it appears that none of the individuals involved were seriously affected by this incident and I want to reassure the public that we are trying to identify the source of the tablets.

“This appears to be an isolated incident and we will continue to work with the university and our partners to educate young people to ensure this does not happen again.

“We are urging anybody in possession of similar tablets to hand them into us to prevent anyone else from falling ill and to enable us to test the substance.”

A spokesperson, from Lancaster University and its Students’ Union, said: “We are committed to being proactive in providing students with information about the risks of taking drugs. Information is shared through all our channels and there is a zero-tolerance drugs policy at our venues.

“Police alerted us to a drug circulating in Lancaster at the weekend causing people to be treated in hospital and we have issued a warning and advice to students. Fortunately it appears that none of the individuals involved were seriously affected.”

Detectives are continuing their investigations to see if the substances consumed are in any way connected and continue to appeal for anyone with information that could help to call on 101 quoting log number 237 of October 11 or pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For drugs information and advice visit the “Talk To Frank” website: http://www.talktofrank.com or call the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00.