AN extra-strong batch of heroin and cocaine being sold in a seaside town has prompted a warning to drug users following two deaths.

Police in Eastbourne said the deaths and a number of overdoses have occurred since April – and in a couple of cases the cocaine was found to be nearly 100 per cent pure.

Officers have issued warnings to drug users through drop-in centres to make them aware of the strong batch circulating on the streets.

Detective Inspector Neil Ralph said: “We investigate all drug overdoses and drug-related deaths, and look to identify who has supplied the drugs and seek a prosecution.

“This can be difficult at times because it is often the case that the only person who knows the source of the drug is deceased. Taking drugs in any form is dangerous, particularly when the user does not know the purity of the drug.”

Drug deaths nationally hit record levels as the purity of heroin and cocaine increased, according to figures last year.