Northumbria Police say there is no evidence at the moment that there is a bad batch of drugs in circulation in Newcastle but it is a line of enquiry.

One man was found dead in a house in Walker on 24 February. Two men died on Wednesday, one at a house in Byker and another at Newcastle General Hospital.

The results of toxicology tests are still being awaited.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Thomson said: "These deaths should serve as a warning once again of the dangers of drug misuse.

Toxicology tests

"At this stage drugs do appear to be a factor in all three deaths, although we're still awaiting test results.

"All three men were from the east end of the city and all three were drug users.

"It's not yet clear what substances or combination of substances they may have taken so we're working with the Forensic Science Service to get the results of toxicology tests back as soon as possible."

On February 24, a 28-year-old man was found dead at a house in Walker. It is believed to have been a drugs overdose although test results are still being awaited.

On Wednesday, a 37-year-old man was pronounced dead by paramedics at a house in Byker and a 25-year-old was dead on arrival at Newcastle General Hospital.

Police are speaking to relatives and friends of the three men to establish the circumstances leading up to their deaths.