London: Police urge ‘extreme care’ to gay club drug users after death in Vauxhall
Police have urged recreational drug users in the capital to be ‘extremely careful’ after a man died and two others were hospitalised this weekend after nights out at Vauxhall’s gay clubs.
A man is known to have collapsed at Area Club in the early hours of Sunday morning. He was pronounced dead at 5am.
A second man collapsed at the same club while a third was taken ill at Barcode. The latter two have been hospitalised.
The first two men were found with a so-far unidentified white powder.
The cause of death has not been ascertained but police have issued a warning to anyone considering using drugs at Vauxhall.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police urge any recreational drug users to be extremely careful if they are considering using drugs of any sort, in particular at venues in the Vauxhall area.
“Lambeth officers are appealing for anyone who can assist with enquiries to come forward as soon as possible.
“A quick response could help us prevent contaminated drugs circulating further and may save someone’s life.”
Anyone with information should call Det Srg Janet Barracks on 020 8721 3597 or talk anonymously through Crimestoppers on +44 (0)800 555 111.
In a separate incident, police officers at Westminster CID are dealing with a suspected drugs overdose at the Sweatbox gym on Ramillies Street, Soho.
A 52 year old man is suspected of having taken an illegal liquid drug and collapsed on Sunday morning at at 07.30. He is in a stable but serious condition in hospital.
The incidents are believed to be separate but Westminster officers have also counselled care in the gay community around illegal drugs.
Anyone with information about the Sweatshop incident should contact DS Grant Lander or DC Lewis at Marylebone police station on 020 7321 9367.
