Urgent MDMA warning after 15-year-old girl collapses in car park and dies

Police urge anyone in North Yorkshire who has taken the drug and feels unwell to seek medical assistance

A 15-year-old girl has died after taking ecstasy in Yorkshire, prompting a police warning to anyone who has recently bought the drug in the area.

Police were alerted by a member of the public after the girl collapsed in a car park in Northallerton and at 9.30pm on Saturday.

The teenager was taken to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, where she later died.

“Police enquiries have found that the girl is believed to have taken MDMA and enquiries are ongoing to determine if the drug has led to the girl’s death,” a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said.

“Officers are issuing a warning to anyone who has purchased this drug recently to be cautious and aware of the potential consequences of taking the drug.”

Police have cordoned off the car park where the unnamed girl collapsed and are conducting a search of the area.

Detective Inspector Jon Sygrove appealed for anyone in the area on Saturday night, or who has information, to come forward.

“This is an incredibly sad and tragic event and police enquiries are ongoing to determine the events around the girl’s death,” he added.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends.

“As our investigation continues, I’d advise anyone who has purchased MDMA recently to be cautious about taking it. If you have already taken the drug and feel unwell, please seek medical assistance immediately.”

MDMA is the chemical name for the drug commonly known as ecstasy and can come in powder, crystal or pill form.

The most recent Office for National Statistics data shows there were 56 deaths linked to ecstasy across England and Wales in 2017, down on 63 the year before.

There were 3,756 deaths from all types of drugs in 2017 - the highest total since comparable records began in 1993.

Two-thirds of drug-related deaths were related to drug misuse, and the figures showed those relating to heroin, morphine, the synthetic opioid fentanyl and cocaine rising.