A crisis group has been set up to look into a cluster of six deaths that are thought to be linked to lethal street drugs.
The victims – males aged from their early 20s to 50s –all died at council-owned properties in Stirling since the beginning of March.
Two of the deaths occurred in council houses while the other four men died in homeless accommodation.
A council spokesman said: “In response to this worrying development, a range of support measures have been put in place for vulnerable individuals and frontline staff.
“A multi-agency steering group, which includes Police Scotland, the NHS and third sector organisations, has also been set up to urgently look into this matter and to ensure we reach out to vulnerable groups in the wider community.
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“It is uncertain whether drugs have been a contributory factor to any of these tragic deaths.
“However, the council would urge those using drugs to engage with addiction support services and recognise the risks involved.”
NHS Forth Valley said it is “aware of these deaths and will be involved in further discussions to try to develop plans to prevent future deaths wherever possible”.
The Record recently launched an investigation into drug deaths, which has already prompted the Scottish Government to order the formation of a nationwide task force to address the crisis.
We also told how street Valium – or “blue plague” pills – has been a huge driver of our drug mortality rate, which is the worst in Europe.
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