PFCC Statement – Response to six deaths in South Essex

Roger Hirst said: “Essex Police is doing everything it can, working in partnership with health colleagues, to warn the public of the dangers of the illegal drugs trade.

“In Essex our focus has to be on protecting the young and vulnerable people in our communities. “This is why we have invested alongside the Home Office and our local councils in a violence and vulnerability unit. Essex Police is also putting in place a schools team as well as investing in the Serious Crime Directorate who can deal with the principal offenders. Sadly, this is too late for the people who have died in the past few days. I send my deepest sympathies to their families and friends who are mourning their loss.”