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Detectives have issued a warning over a batch of MDMA tablets thought to be in circulation in Merseyside.

While stressing all illegal drugs pose serious health risks, Merseyside Police has highlighted particular concern over shield-shaped tablets bearing a lion or griffin logo on them.

The warning comes just days after a teenager died after falling ill at Liverpool night club Cream - though toxicology reports have not yet confirmed what caused John Milburn’s tragic death.

Described as shield-shaped, orange/red in colour and bearing a lion or griffin-style logo on them, police are taking the risks attached to the tablets seriously enough to have released a specific warning over them.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Kameen said: “It is not only illegal to buy and sell drugs, but taking illegal substances can also be very dangerous and potentially fatal. We are urging the public not to take any illegal drugs – you don’t know what’s in them, where they’ve come from or what effects they may have on you.

“There are significant risks with any drug misuse, especially when it involves drugs bought off the streets from unregulated sources. The effects of drugs are not always immediately apparent or can be delayed. This can sometimes result in people taking more in order to speed up the effects. This can have devastating results.

“We are asking people to use their common sense and not to take illegal, unregulated drugs.”

Merseyside Police did not link the guidance to the incidents at the final Cream club night at city centre venue Nation on Boxing Day, which led to the death of 19-year-old apprentice engineer John Milburn, from Crosby, and a second man fighting for his life in hospital. The second man, a 47-year-old who is not thought to have known Mr Milburn, is still in a critical condition.

While it is not yet known what was responsible for both men falling ill, the fears about the MDMA tablets have come to light following the events of that night.

Anyone with any information about the supply of illegal drugs should contact police on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or for further information about drug use and abuse call FRANK on 0300 123 600 or visit www.talktofrank.com online.