Drugs alert as 16-year-old Shellie Callaghan dies after party Published duration 16 October 2016

image copyright Police handout image caption Police released pictures of the pills in the warning

Police have issued a drugs warning after the death of a 16-year-old girl following a house party in Midlothian.

Shellie Callaghan, may have had access to "ecstasy type tablets" at the party in Newtongrange, Police Scotland said.

She died at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary after falling ill on Saturday.

The force said the warning related to "red bugatti veyron and purple ninja turtle" tablets and "strongly urged" people not to take them. Inquiries into the death are continuing.

image copyright Police handout image caption Officers "strongly urged" people not to take the red "bugatti veyron" pills

Rebecca Russell, a 19-year-old from Newtongrange, said Shelley was a "lovely girl" who did not deserve what had happened to her.

"She was so kind and really funny, and she really cared about animals as well," she told the BBC.

"You don't expect it to happen to someone that you know so when it does I think it shocks everyone really."

Ms Russell said young people in the town were concerned after the death.

"I'm really worried because they can pick them up so easily for almost nothing and they don't realise how dangerous they really are," she said.

image caption Rebecca Russell said young people in the town were concerned after the death

Laura Osborne, a mother-of-two who lives in Newtongrange, said it was "scary" that the drugs were available in such a small town.

"I don't know where they're getting them from - I think it's quite sad actually. The dangers are already highlighted and kids know.

"I think there's a lot of peer pressure involved. I think more education needs to be done and they need to realise that one tablet can just kill you."

Ch Insp Matt Paden said: "As inquiries continue into the full circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Shellie Callaghan, dedicated officers from the inquiry team are providing support to her family.

"Officers will also be continuing high visibility patrols over the weekend and the days ahead to provide support and advice to members of the public and the local community.

"Anyone with information or concerns can speak to a local officer, call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."