Girl, 16, dies in hospital after taking 'unknown substance'; Exmouth boy in custody

Update Sunday 4 December: The 16-year-old boy has been released on police bail to return on Thursday 2 March.

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Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a girl, 16, died in hospital on Saturday morning (3 December) after taking an "unknown substance".

A boy from the Exmouth area, also 16 years old, has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug and remains in custody.

Officers were called by ambulance staff at Move nightclub in Exeter at around 12.30am the same day as they were concerned for the welfare of the girl after she had taken the substance.

The girl later died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Her next of kin have been informed and police are supporting the family.

Police think a number of teenagers may have taken the tablets containing unknown substances and officers would like to hear from anyone who may also have been affected.

Detective Chef Inspector Lee Nattrass said: "We have identified several teenagers already who reported that they had taken drugs, but we would urge anyone else who has felt unwell as a result to seek medical help and to contact us.

"We have seen time and time again that these substances can kill, and we have another tragic case on our hands.

"You don't know what they contain, and you don't know the reaction you may have; it could be fatal. I urge anyone considering taking drugs to think twice and reconsider."

Anyone with information that could help can contact police online here or by calling 101 quoting reference 50220049906.