Drug warning for festival goers

Clubbers attending a music festival in Hampshire are being warned about a dangerous batch of ecstasy.

Police believe the tablets, known as "Red Stars" will be in circulation at the Gosport Waterfront Music Festival being held on Saturday and Sunday.

"We have information that suggests these tablets could be extremely harmful, even to people who habitually take ecstasy," said a police spokesman.

Last weekend a teenager from Eastleigh was hospitalised after taking ecstasy.

We are especially concerned about the dangers associated with this batch of tablets Acting Det Insp Derek Hatch

The 16-year-old girl suffered an adverse reaction to the drug and became seriously ill but recovered after medical treatment.

Acting Det Insp Derek Hatch said: "Of course we would urge people never to take illegal drugs but we are especially concerned about the dangers associated with this batch of tablets.

"Although we have issued this warning before, it is likely that several thousand people from outside the area may visit Gosport this weekend for the town's festival, and they may not be aware of the potential dangers these tablets may present."

Police said the tablets were red and in the shape of a star.