Teenage girl dies after taking 'unknown substance' in Devon
A 15-year-old girl has died and a 14-year-old boy was left fighting for his life after apparently taking an unknown substance, police have said.
Officers and ambulance crews were called to Tavistock, in Devon, shortly after 4pm on Saturday to reports that the teenagers had been found unwell.
The unnamed girl was airlifted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, where she later died. Her next of kin have been informed.
The boy, who is also unnamed, was in critical condition but now is recovering in hospital as of Sunday afternoon.
An investigation has been launched and officers believe that both teenagers suffered adverse reactions having taken a unknown substance which police seized at the scene.
Inspector Pete Turner of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we are providing support to them at this terrible time.
“We are at the very early stages of the investigation and enquiries are ongoing as to how the substance was obtained."
He stressed that initial enquiries showed it was an isolated incident involving the two young people and that there was not believed to be any wider risk to the Tavistock community.
“We would however urge all parents and carers to speak to their children and young people about the risks of taking unknown substances,” the officer added.
Anyone with information which can assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact 101@dc.police.uk or phone 101, quoting log number 655 of 23/06/18.
