CUMBRIA Police have warned there could be a 'killer' batch of cocaine and heroin in the community.

Police say it follows a number of individuals reporting 'significant adverse effects' with some requiring hospital treatment.

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The warning has been issued for the west Cumbria area, following the death of a 28-year-old man found dead at a house in Workington.

Police say the drugs may be linked to the fatality but do not know for certain until the outcome of further toxicology results.

It is not known if the drugs are dangerous because of their purity or because of harmful 'adulterants' that they may have been mixed with, said police.

Det Sgt Catherine Vargas said: "We are, at present collating all the information from the various reports concerning these drugs to try and identify the source.

"As well as pursuing the suppliers of these drugs it is vital that we get the warning to users so that they are fully aware of the risks of taking these illegal substances, in reality they could contain anything and you may well suffer the consequences if you take the risk.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.