Four young schoolgirls were rushed to hospital after taking ecstasy tablets near a shopping centre.

The 13-year-old friends collapsed seriously ill after taking the pink ‘teddy bear’ pills close to Wythenshawe Civic Centre on Sunday night.

All four later collapsed - one being left unconscious. They were taken to hospital and later discharged. Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers have arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of supplying class A drugs.

He remains in police custody for questioning as the girls recover at home.

(Image: Fiona Measham/The Loop)

Officers from GMP were informed just before 8.30pm on Sunday that the four teenagers were in hospital after taking ecstasy.

Police believe they took the tablets while together but then separately fell ill some time later.

An investigation was launched and on Monday police executed a search warrant at a house in Wythenshawe.

Det Insp Gareth Davies, from GMP’s City of Manchester team, said: “This could have caused devastation for several families and, as with any illegal drug, there can be serious or even fatal consequences if you use them.

“We don’t know exactly what these particular tablets contain and I would urge you not to take them.

“If you are offered drugs, particularly ones which are a pink and purple colour and have teddy markings on them, then please contact police.

“If you have any information about this incident or have concerns about drugs in the area, I would also urge you to contact police.”

Last week a group of pupils reportedly turned up ‘high’ at St James Catholic High in Cheadle Hulme after apparently taking ‘teddy bear’ ecstasy .

The tablets - in the shape of the cuddly toy - were also linked to the death of a teenage clubber in Manchester in December.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call GMP on 101 quoting incident number 2161 of March 5, 2017, or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.