Detectives in York are warning of a potentially contaminated batch of heroin after a woman died from a suspected overdose.

The 28-year-old was found in public toilets in Nunnery Lane on Friday and died in hospital.

Police are investigating whether her death was linked to those of four men in West Yorkshire who died earlier this month after taking heroin.

Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.

The woman’s death is the third drug-related death in York this month.

Police said they did not believe her death was linked to the previous two.

‘Dangerous substances’

Det Ch Insp Dai Malyn, head of York CID said: “As ever the answer lies within the community and we appeal to the public and indeed users of the drug to provide us with the information to help us identify the suppliers so we can take them and the dangerous substances off the street .

“We also want to warn users of the potentially fatal consequences of using contaminated drugs.”

Earlier this month three men were found dead in the Bradford area in just over 24 hours, and a fourth, from Shipley, died in hospital on Monday.

Police believe they could all have used contaminated heroin.

Three men who were arrested in connection with the supply of controlled drugs have been released on bail while inquiries continue.