PEOPLE are being warned of the dangers of a form of MDMA after a man died in hospital.

On Saturday four men were taken to hospital after taking a drug that is believed to be known locally as ‘pink champagne’ or ‘magic’.

Another five men and a woman were taken to hospital on Sunday after taking what is believed to be the same MDAM based drug.

A 26-year-old man from Rochdale, who was admitted into hospital, has now died.

Four men are currently in a critical condition and receiving treatment in intensive care.

One other is in a stable condition in hospital and three people received treatment but have since been released from hospital.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs but has since been released under investigation.

Police said the drug is believed to come in crystal form and is highly potent.

Many people that police have spoken to have said that is the first time they have seen or heard of the drug.

Concerns amongst medical professionals and police are high given the potential for serious harm and even lethal consequences for those who have taken it.

Police are urging anyone who thinks they or someone they know may have taken the drug to seek medical attention.

Symptoms include rigid muscles, shallow breathing, fast racing pulse, Hyper-aggression / mania, seizure, foaming at mouth and unconsciousness. 

Chief Superintendent Neil Evans Territorial Commander for Oldham, Rochdale & Tameside said: “Sadly a man has now died as a result of taking what we believe is an MDMA based drug.

“His death comes as four others are in a critical condition after a total number of 11 were hospitalised over the weekend after taking the drug.

“This is incredibly worrying and, with our colleagues from the NHS, we are doing all that we can to warn people against taking the drug and help those who may have taken it.

“So please, if you believe that you or somebody you know has taken the drug and begins showing symptoms then get yourselves to the hospital immediately.

“We have a full team working on the police investigation and we are appealing for anyone with any information about where this drug is coming from to get in touch as soon as possible. An urgent line of inquiry is to understand exactly what the substance taken is and steps are being taken in that regard.”

“I would like to reiterate the dangers of taking this or any recreational drug. We have sadly had one person tragically die as a result of taking MDMA this weekend and others are fighting for their lives. We will be supporting their devastated families, I hope we don’t have to support even more families, cases like this are ones that we always hope we don’t have to deal with.”

Anybody with information that could assist the investigation should contact police on 0161 856 9063 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.