Tainted ecstasy theory over deaths

A 19-YEAR-OLD man who died at Royal Oldham Hospital could have taken contaminated ecstasy — which might also have killed another man.

Jordan Chambers died on Sunday after complaining of feeling unwell. Gareth Ashton (28) was admitted to Wigan Infirmary with the same symptoms and died yesterday. Toxicology tests are underway.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating whether a batch of heart-shaped ecstasy tablets circulating in the Wigan area, where both men are believed to have lived, was responsible. Other people have been admitted to hospitals suffering similar symptoms in the last few days.

Det Chief Insp Howard, Millington from Wigan CID, said: “We are very concerned at how these deaths of two apparently fit young men have occurred. Our main concern is there may be contaminated illegal drugs; if this goes unchecked it could result in further deaths.”

The drugs are believed to be ecstasy tablets, heart shaped in purple, green, yellow and blue.

Information to police on 0161-856 7149 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.