POLICE fear a bad batch of heroin on Worcester's streets could be killing drug users in the city.

It comes after two men were found dead in less than 48 hours from what city police believe are heroin-related deaths.

The body of a 24-year-old man was found dead at the rear of a newsagents near St Paul's church, in St Paul's Street, on the morning of Friday, June 24.

An 18-year-old man's body was discovered at his home in the Arboretum area the following day.

Several other people have received medical treatment in drugs-related incidents and police are now appealing to drug users to be extra-careful.

Det Insp Dave Bartlett said that although the cause of the two deaths has yet to be confirmed, both men were known drug-users and police believe that their deaths were heroin-related.

"The fact several other people have also needed medical treatment makes us believe there may be a particular problem with some of the heroin currently in circulation," he added.

"The hot weather may also be a factor, as people are drinking more alcohol - and alcohol and drugs do not mix.

"We're advising any drug users who become ill to immediately seek medical advice."

Terri Preece, who helps drug users at St Paul's Hostel, in Tallow Hill, said there was a 'lot of concern' that the heroin was contaminated or of a purer form.

"It's not just the number that die, but the number who go over and are caught just in time," she said. "Users and staff here are very distressed about the situation."