A man died and five others went to hospital after consuming a suspected 'bad batch' of ecstasy last night, say police.

The 30-year-old man went to hospital after collapsing at Manchester's renowned Warehouse Project dance venue in Old Trafford.

Paramedics were called to the scene and he was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary.

He died shortly before 4.30am.

Police immediately launched an investigation and learned five others who had been to the club were also admitted to the hospital after feeling unwell.

They were being monitored closely by medics today but they are not thought to be in a life-threatening condition.

Detectives are investigating whether there may have been a 'bad batch' of drugs circulating in the club last night and have appealed for anyone who has information, or who felt unwell, to get in touch.

A statement on the Warehouse Project website said: "As some may have read in the press today, unfortunately last night a man was taken ill at The Warehouse Project and died in hospital this morning. Everyone at The Warehouse Project are devastated about the news and our condolences are with his family.

"The Warehouse Project are assisting the police with their ongoing enquiries surrounding the circumstances of the man’s death. They have suggested that there may have been a bad batch of ecstasy in circulation as others who attended last nights event are also unwell. While these people are whilst in no danger, some are still being treated.

"The Warehouse Project operates a zero tolerance policy with regards to drugs. However if you have taken something and start to feel unwell please tell a member of staff.

"There is a team of trained medics on site every night, and you will be treated on the premises initially.

"Please don’t wait to get help. Tell someone as soon as you can. Alert a member of bar staff or security who can notify the medical team who are always there to help.

"Likewise if you see someone who looks like they need help, please let a staff member know as soon as possible."

It was the opening night of the three-month long series of nights at the venue, which has attracted some of the biggest names in dance music.

The death is the 12th suspected ecstasy-related fatality in the north west in the last year.

The drug has also been linked to three deaths in Macclesfield, two in Bolton, two in Wigan, two in Buxton, Derbyshire, and further fatalities in Salford and Warrington.

Detective Inspector Aaron Duggan said: “First and foremost, our thoughts go out to the family of this young man following this tragedy.

“We have now launched an investigation to establish the circumstances leading up to his death.

“It is possible that there may a particularly bad batch of drugs out there in the community and that is a concern to us.

"If you attended the Warehouse Project last night and are feeling unwell, I would ask you to go to hospital for a check-up as soon as possible.

“I would always urge people not to take illegal drugs and remind them that you do not know what they have been made up with. They can contain poisons and illicit chemicals that can have potentially fatal effects.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7655 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.