Results from toxicology testing on five suspected drugs overdoses in Bury St Edmunds have confirmed the cause of the medical conditions were caused by the high purity of the substances.

On Wednesday, May 20, ambulance services were called to an address in Ashwell Road, where a man in his 40s was found unconscious.

They were then called later that day to a man in his 30s in Priors Avenue, a woman in her 20s in Tayfen Road, and a man in his 30s in St Andrew Street North.

All four were taken to West Suffolk Hospital, where a fifth man presented himself to hospital with concerns for his welfare after taking an illegal substance.

All five have now been discharged from hospital, with no further reports having been reported to police.

The results of the toxicology test confirmed the high purity of the substances, believed to be heroin and crack cocaine, were responsible for their conditions.

Police made three arrests, and seized a batch of Class A drugs, which were also found to be heroin and crack cocaine.

Detective inspector Nick Power said: “Our investigation into these incidents continues and it is pleasing to hear that all five individuals have made a recovery.

“The results of the tests on those affected have shown that the substances they consumed were extremely high purity – which had serious effects.

“This starkly shows the danger of using class A drugs of any kind – it is impossible to know the strength or detail of what you are using and they can result in serious illness or even death.

“Although we have seized a quantity of drugs believed to be linked to these incidents, we cannot be completely sure that these are the drugs that were taken by the affected individuals.

“We also don’t know if any of the affected drugs remain in circulation.

“I would therefore urge anyone in possession of class A drugs of any kind not to take them, but to dispose of them or hand them in. We would also encourage anyone who takes drugs to seek help from one of the many support agencies available in Bury St Edmunds or Suffolk-wide.”

A 41-year-old woman from Bury St Edmunds was arrested on May 22 on suspicion of supplying a Class A drug, while two men from London were also arrested in connection with the incidents on May 21.

All three have been bailed to return to police at a later date.

Anyone in possession of drugs can hand them in anonymously to drug and alcohol treatment provider ‘Turning Point’ in Looms Lane, Bury St Edmunds.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk police on 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.