Two arrested after teenagers' deaths linked to mephedrone

Two men have been arrested in connection with the deaths of two teenagers who are believed to have taken the legal drug mephedrone, police said today.

Humberside Police said they believed the drug mephedrone had contributed to the deaths of Louis Wainwright, 18, and Nicholas Smith, 19, who had been out drinking together in Scunthorpe until the early hours of Monday morning.

Detectives said two other men were being questioned in connection with the incident.

One of the arrested men was currently in hospital after also being thought to have taken the drug, which is also known as "M-CAT" and "mieow".

A woman was also undergoing medical examinations.

Police were notified after Mr Wainwright was pronounced dead at his home in Low Burgage, Winteringham, at 12pm yesterday.

Officers received a second call at 4.22pm in connection with the death of Mr Smith on Redbourne Street, in Scunthorpe.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oliver, senior investigating officer, said: "We have arrested two men in connection with this incident.

"One of the men has been taken to hospital, where he is undergoing a medical examination as we have reason to believe he may have taken the substance.

"A woman has also been admitted to hospital for medical examination.

"We have information to suggest these deaths are linked to M-CAT.

"We would encourage anyone who may have taken the drug or knows somebody who has taken the drug to attend a local hospital as a matter of urgency.

"Anyone who knows somebody who has possession of the drug, we would encourage them to either hand it in to a local police station or dispose of the substance as soon as possible and contact Humberside Police."

Humberside Police are appealing for anyone who may have taken the legal drug while out on Sunday night with either Mr Wainwright or Mr Smith to attend hospital as a matter of urgency.

A police spokeswoman said: "This substance is very dangerous and it is important that anyone who has taken it contacts their local GP or hospital immediately."

Mephedrone is known by various names, including "M-CAT", "MC", "mieow", "meow", "4MMC" or "plant fertiliser", and has become popular on the UK club scene in recent months.

It is usually a white or yellowish powder, which is snorted, but can also be obtained in pills and capsules.

The side effects include headaches, palpitations, nausea, high blood pressure, a burning throat, nose bleeds and purple joints, especially the knees and hands.

Other side effects are said to include psychosis, weight loss and insomnia.

The substance is legal in the UK but is subject to a Government safety probe.

Earlier this month authorities on the Channel Island of Guernsey said they were considering classifying the "legal high" as a Class A drug.

Drug officials on the island said they were looking at "proactive" action and island authorities were conducting their own research into the drug's effects.

The UK Government has asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs to carry out an assessment.

Friends and family paid tribute to both men on the social networking site Facebook.

A group called "Louis Wainwright - Book of Condolences" was set up "in dedication and respect" for the 18-year-old's death.

A number of family members added messages to the group, including cousin Emily Wainwright, who wrote: "r.i.p. my amazing cousin. you were always there for me looking out for me, making sure people were treating me right, having a laugh with me. always happy. im so shocked i cant believe it, you dont deserve this :( forever in my heart? love you xxxxxxxxxxxx"

Joe Dobbs wrote: "R.I.P cuz, more like a brother to me, loved you so much man. we had so many sick times growin up mate, cant believe your gone, love you Lou, youl never be forgetten!!"

Another friend, Ben Hickman added: "louis u were a propa good laff to hav around the place...kept being happy n cheeky n your sense of spirit will live on through all of us! R.I.P buddy, you will be missed.....thoughts and condolences to the rest of the family....taken too early!"

On Mr Smith's Facebook page, Jodie Keast wrote: "cant believe this is happening again!! RIP Nick Smith love you loads xx"

And Callum Muldoon paid tribute to both men, writing: "cant believe whats happened! R.I.P Nick Smith and Louis Wainwright. You will both be missed :("