A THIRSK man aged 45 has died after taking what police believe may have been a dose of contaminated drugs.

The death has sparked a major alert among the area's drug users.

Police are advising anyone who has purchased illegal substances not to take them until further investigations are completed.

A spokesman said: "These drugs are so contaminated or concentrated that they could present a serious health risk even to those who are habitual drug users."

Anyone with information should call Northallerton police on 01609 783131.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.