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Twelve people were rushed to hospital after apparently taking LSD at a party, police said today.

Northumbria Police issued a warning after nine men and three women - believed to be students - were taken from a residential address in Newcastle.

Emergency services were called to the affluent suburb of Jesmond last night after a report was received "expressing concern" for the welfare of those inside.

Nine men, aged 17 to 23, and three women, aged 19 to 24, were treated at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, and Rake Lane Hospital in North Tyneside.

Eight were discharged today, but four remain in hospital. One was receiving treatment while the other three were being kept under observation.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested for being concerned in the supply of drugs, and was helping police with their inquiries tonight.

It is believed the 12 had taken LSD paper tabs with a strawberry motif on them.

Police issued a warning about the dangers posed by illegal drugs.

(Image: Rex)

Chief Insp Richard Jackson said: "We were called to the address on Saturday night and 12 people were taken to hospital.

"We are carrying out extensive enquiries and are working with our partners to find out what has happened and warn others of the dangers.

"Taking any illegal drug is dangerous and potentially life threatening.

"LSD, which is what we believe has been taken, is an illegal hallucinogenic drug.

"If anyone has any of these paper tabs with the strawberry motif on them in their possession we would urge them not to take it.

"Anyone who may have taken the drug recently and feels unwell should seek medical attention immediately."

Earlier this year, a student was left fighting for life and five others received treatment after taking the hallucinogenic drug 2CB, at another address in Jesmond, Newcastle.

Anyone with information on the latest incident was asked to call the police non-emergency number 101.