A second man died after taking an “exceptionally strong batch” of heroin in North Devon, police said.
The first man died from taking the Class A drug on Friday and a second man, who had been admitted to hospital earlier, died on Saturday night.
Devon and Cornwall Police said his death is believed to have been the result of consuming the same batch, which is believed to be a “form of heroin combined with another substance” that causes “more serious effects” than regular supplies.
A total of 10 people, including the man who died, were treated at the hospital. Two are still undergoing treatment.
Two men and two women arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of a controlled substance have been released on police bail pending further investigations.
What was “locally considered to be an unusual batch of heroin” circulating in Westward Ho!, Bideford and Barnstaple became known to officers and partner agencies at 5pm on Friday, police said.
A major incident was declared, before being suspended on Saturday morning.
“We believe the substance found on Friday has been contained,” said Detective Superintendent Ben Davies.
He added: “While we believe there is no threat to the wider community, we continue to investigate the circumstances of the two deaths resulting from the consumption of this substance.
“We continue to conduct tests to determine what the substance is, but we suspect it is a form of heroin combined with another substance that users will find causes more severe effects than the heroin they normally use.”
Health professionals are working with local drug users to “safeguard them as much as possible”, he said.
Users are urged to “exercise extreme caution,” he added.
“Advice remains that if you feel you are experiencing an adverse reaction or are in the company of someone who needs urgent medical attention, call 999 to get appropriate care and help.”
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