Police probing heroin deaths make 10 arrests

A 41-year-old man and 38-year-old woman, from Burnley, a 32-year-old man, from Brierfield, a 34-year-old woman, from Colne, and a 28-year-old woman, from Nelson, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of heroin.

A 29-year-old man and 43-year-old woman, both from Colne, were arrested on suspicion of supplying an article to administer drugs.

A 51-year-old Accrington man and a 40-year-old Burnley woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug and a 40-year-old woman from Burnley was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class B drug.

All have been bailed until May 27th pending further inquiries.

Meanwhile the men who died have been named as Robin Ferguson (53), of Tennis Street, Burnley, Emilyn Hodgkinson, of Oak Street, Colne, and Zaheer Chaudrey, of Eagle Street, Nelson. Police believe they died after taking particularly strong heroin. Post-mortem examinations have yet to take place.

Anyone with information is urged to call Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.