Police in Essex have confirmed that six people have died within 36 hours in suspected drug-related incidents.
The force revealed on Wednesday that a woman in her 30s was found dead in Southend on Sunday morning. Five other people have also died from suspected drug overdoses in the quiet seaside area.
It is not known what drugs are involved, as tests are being carried out, but police said it was thought to be Class A drugs.
A woman, in her 40s, was found on Canvey Island on Tuesday evening, after three men and a woman were found dead in Leigh-on-Sea and Benfleet on Monday and Tuesday.
The deaths have all occurred within a five-mile radius and police have urged locals "not to take drugs" while investigations are being carried out.
At a press conference, Chief Superintendent Kevin Baldwin, of Essex Police, said: "We are concerned by these deaths and have dedicated officers working around the clock to investigate the circumstances.
“At this stage we believe these incidents are contained to the south of the county but part of our enquiries is to see whether other parts of Essex are affected.
“We believe the deaths are linked to the taking of Class A drugs and are carrying out tests to establish exactly what the substance or substances involved are.
“Until we have the results of those tests we’re not going to speculate about what’s involved or how it was taken.
“Our message is clear though – if you are considering taking Class A drugs, please don’t."
He added: "Due to the fact that they are close together and it’s an unusually high number, and the circumstances of the deaths themselves, an investigation has been launched to try and establish the cause of those deaths.
Public Health England has issued urgent advice to people who may be worried about their health.
It said: "While details of the drugs involved in the recent deaths have not been released, if you or someone you know has taken any substances, you may be at risk."
Essex Police said no arrests have been made in connection with the investigation.
