SEVEN people have died in Dorset after taking drugs since mid-March.

Police have been unable to definitively link the deaths. Inquests will be held.

Since Tuesday, March 14, three people have died in Bournemouth, one in Poole and three in Weymouth.

Investigations are underway to establish exactly what the drugs involved are.

Police yesterday arrested a 45-year-old man from Bournemouth on suspicion of possessing class A drugs and a 17-year-old man from Surrey on suspicion of possessing a class B drug.

Both are assisting police with their enquiries.

Detective Inspector Andy Roberts, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I would like to get a message out to anyone involved in the misuse of drugs in Bournemouth and the wider Dorset area to be aware that use of such substances can prove fatal to the user.

“I would also appeal to anyone with information about the illicit drug supply or availability of non-prescribed medicines, to make police aware immediately.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dorset Police via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.

Members of the public seeking advice with drug issues are urged to contact the relevant drug treatment agency where they live.

For Bournemouth contact BEAT (Bournemouth Engagement and Assessment Team) on 01202 558855

For Poole contact SMART (Substance Misuse Assessment and Referral Team) on 01202 735777

For Weymouth contact EDP Drug Treatment Services on 01305 760799