TWO people were being questioned by police last night after a 14-year-old schoolgirl died from a suspected drugs overdose.The youngster was admitted to James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, just before 3pm on Sunday.

By David Lennard

TWO people were being questioned by police last night after a 14-year-old schoolgirl died from a suspected drugs overdose.

The youngster was admitted to James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, just before 3pm on Sunday. She died at the hospital shortly before 8.30am yesterday .

Staff at the hospital contacted police when she arrived and at 9pm on Sunday two people were arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.

A 22-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man, both from Lowestoft, were in custody at the town's police station and were being interviewed by officers investigating the girl's death.

A post mortem was carried out by a Home Office pathologist at James Paget Hospital yesterday .

Police officers are not releasing details of the girl's identity until all her relatives have been informed.

It is believed the teenager lived in the Carlton Colville area, near Lowestoft, and collapsed unconscious while at a friend's house.

Residents in Carlton Colville were reluctant to talk about the incident yesterday, and there was a considerable police presence throughout the day.

The tragedy has highlighted the dangers young people face from drugs and alcohol and has led to a call for greater education.

Penny McVeigh is chief executive of the East Anglia-based drug and alcohol advice service Norcas that has centres in Lowestoft, Ipswich and Norwich.

Ms McVeigh said she had no details about this particular incident but was aware that people of all ages are at danger from both drugs and alcohol.

"This is indeed a terrible tragedy but we have to be aware of the dangers presented by drugs and alcohol.

"We may not like to admit it but drugs are available to people, not just in Lowestoft, but in just about every community in the region," she said.

"There is a great need for young people in particular to be educated about the danger that these illegal drugs present.

"Even things like methadone, a prescribed heroin substitute, now has a street value," she said.

Another key factor in drug-taking is the role played by alcohol.

"Often people are offered drugs after they have been drinking and their decision-making is impaired.

"While normally someone might not even consider taking drugs they can be tempted if they have been drinking," said Ms McVeigh.

Suffolk police are expected to release the girl's identity and details of the post mortem later today.