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Mephedrone death: two held
Police are investigating the death of a woman who has died in Wigan Infirmary.
Steph Howard, 20, was admitted to hospital in a critical condition over the weekend, and lost her fight for life on Tuesday.
Following her death, a man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug and remain in police custody for questioning.
It is believed Ms Howard, of Findlay Street, Leigh, had fallen ill on Saturday night at a friend's house after experimenting with the drug, mephedrone.
The legal high drug, commonly known by the street names "bubble", "drone" and "meow", is sold as plant fertiliser and labelled with "not for human consumption" to avoid the Medicines Act.
The dangerous substance, which can be snorted or taken as a pill, is said to cause other serious side-effects such as palpitations, headaches and nausea.
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John Fairclough, from Wigan Environmental Services, said: "We are aware of and monitoring the use of this and several similar substances and feeding back to national channels about ensuring we have the right guidance and information."
One concerned mum – who is not related to Steph but has seen her own son affected by the drug – wants people to stay clear of it because of its lethal side-effects.
She said: "I go out every weekend and I think the problem is getting worse, people snort it on a key in the clubs and I think something needs doing fast.
"My 18-year-old son was off his head on bubble and after an argument with him, he admitted how bad he felt for two days afterwards.
"I read up on some facts and told my son and his friends what can happen to you if you take it. Most of my son's friends knew Steph and they are all gutted."
Steph, a former Bedford High School pupil, leaves behind her devastated parents, two sisters and her boyfriend.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: "At 11.50pm on Monday February 15, police were called to Wigan Royal Infirmary following reports a woman had been admitted.
"Officers attended and discovered a 20-year-old woman was in a critical condition.
"She died in hospital on Tuesday, February 16.
"A 22-year-old woman and 26-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug and bailed until April 12, pending further inquiries."
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
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