POLICE and a coroner warned of the dangers of taking illegal drugs following the conclusion of an inquest into the death of a talented 16-year-old girl.
Bearwood schoolgirl Lauren Hawkins died in hospital three days after suffering a cardiac arrest at Redcotts Park in Wimborne.
As reported, senior coroner for Dorset Rachael Griffin recorded a conclusion that her death was drug related at a Bournemouth Town Hall inquest on Thursday, January 6.
The inquest heard Lauren and her boyfriend Cameron Doughty took psychedelic drug 2C-B before taking MDMA with others on July 6, 2020.
Read more: Lauren Hawkins had 'world at her feet', inquest is told
Having walked to Redcotts Park as a group, Lauren collapsed. The hearing was told Mr Doughty phoned friends of his girlfriend before calling the ambulance service at 10.36pm.
In a statement following the conclusion of the inquest, a Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Lauren who tragically died.
"We would like to remind everyone of the dangers of taking illegal drugs and the tragic consequences that can come from doing so."
In delivering her conclusion at the inquest, Mrs Griffin said: "Lauren was a vibrant young lady who had a great future ahead of her.
“I hope that if any good can come of her death, it is to warn others in relation to the use of drugs and the dangers.
“People use the stimulant drugs for a high, for excitement, not understanding the true consequences and impact, not only on the person themselves, but to those who knew them.”
Providing details on the force's investigations after Lauren's death, the police spokeswoman said: "Two 17-year-old boys and a woman aged in her 20s, who were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, have been released from the investigation without charge and will face no further police action.
"A 17-year-old boy arrested in connection with the incident was issued with a postal requisition to appear at Poole Youth Court on Tuesday, November 9, for an offence of supplying a controlled drug of class A."
The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to the single charge relating to MDMA. He was referred to the Dorset youth offender panel for a 12-month contract.
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