Ecstasy blamed for boy's death

Ben collapsed at a relative's house

A 15-year-old boy has died after apparently taking ecstasy while out with friends, police have said.

Ben Henessy, of St Albans, had been out all day on Wednesday and arrived at a relative's house in the town just before 1700 BST.

Within minutes of arriving he collapsed.

He was taken to Hemel Hempstead General Hospital where he died just before 1900 BST, a Hertfordshire Police spokesman said.

Three teenagers - two aged 16 and a 17-year-old - were arrested on suspicion of supplying an illegal substance as part of the investigation.

The youths, all from St Albans, were questioned and released on police bail until 28 August.

We are especially appealing for three or four teenage girls, who we believe were out with the boy and two male friends Detective Inspector Mark Ross

Officers said Ben, a pupil at Townsend Church of England School, had been seen in Green Lane, St Albans, on Wednesday afternoon with a group of boys and girls.

The house where he later collapsed was on the same street.

A post-mortem examination on Thursday afternoon proved inconclusive.

Detectives are now awaiting the results of toxicology tests to establish the cause of death.

The spokesman said police family liaison officers were with Ben's distraught family.

Detective Inspector Mark Ross, leading the inquiry, appealed for several teenagers who may have information about Ben's death to contact police.

Mr Ross, from the Central Area Crime Unit, said: "The exact circumstances leading up to the boy's death are unclear at this time but we are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious last night or has any information about this incident to come forward.

"We are especially appealing for three or four teenage girls, who we believe were out with the boy and two male friends.

"They may have vital information, which could help officers with the investigation."