Man held over 'lethal' ecstasy

A 26-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested after seven people were admitted to hospital having taken a potentially lethal substance.

Three people remain in a critical condition with the others seriously ill after taking what is believed to be a form of MDMA.

Oldham police launched a hunt yesterday after four men were admitted to hospital having taken the ecstasy-styled drug known as "pink champagne" or "magic."

The four men were taken seriously ill during Saturday evening. A woman was also taken to hospital and assessed but did not require treatment.

Two of the men have been discharged, while the other two remain in hospital, one of which is critical.

Yesterday, detectives were desperately tracing the distributor of the life-threatening drug which they describe as a "potentially lethal substance".

In the early hours of yesterday, another three ­- two men and a woman ­- were admitted to hospital having taken the substance.

The woman and one of the men are critical, the other man is in a serious condition.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs and remains in custody for questioning.

The drug is believed to come in crystal form and police are urging anyone who may have taken it to seek medical attention.

Detective Sergeant John Coleman, of GMP's Oldham borough, said: "It's always alarming when numerous people attend hospital seeking treatment after taking a particularly potent form of a drug.

"Our main concern is there could be others who could be at serious risk of ill health.

"If you believe you have taken any of these drugs, which you may know as magic or pink champagne, I would urge you to seek medical attention immediately.

"We are also actively seeking the person responsible for their distribution before they supply anyone else with what is a potentially lethal substance.

"If you have any information about those responsible then I would ask you to please contact police immediately."

Detective Inspector Jim Faulkner, of GMP's Oldham borough, said the amount of people affected is causing "no end of concern".

He said: "The total number of people affected is seven in 24 hours which is causing us no end of concern.

"We have arrested one man in connection with the supply of the drugs, however our enquiries and operational activity will be continuing."

The drug is believed to have got the nickname "pink champagne" because it is a mixture of speed and heroin which is allegedly used to create the affects of MDMA.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161-856 9063 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.