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A bad batch of heroin has led to a number of people becoming ill in West Lancashire.

Detectives in Skelmersdale are warning of the dangers and investigating where the drug has come from.

Detective Sergeant Steve Monk, of Skelmersdale CID, said: "We are aware a batch of heroin is currently being sold in the West Lancashire area, causing some users to become unwell.

"I would urge anyone to refrain from taking these drugs 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.

(Image: The People)

"Fortunately, it appears none of the individuals involved have been seriously ill and I want to reassure the public that we are trying to identify the source of the heroin batch."

It is not yet clear where the batch of heroin came from or what is causing the illness - but a number of deaths in the North East of England have also been linked to a contaminated batch of heroin.

The Hull Daily Mail reported earlier this month that heroin cut with carfentanil had killed at least four users in the area.

Carfentanil is a powerful narcotic agent that has no known human therapeutic use and is used to tranquilise elephants.

The drug, which is 10,000 times more potent than morphine, is believed to have killed at least 60 people across the UK.

Anyone with information about the supply of the drug, or who can assist detectives with their investigation, can contact police on 101. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For drugs information and advice, visit the Talk To Frank website or call the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00.