Two held and police alert after teenager dies taking ‘drugs paste’ at York party

Poppy Rodgers, 16, died in the early hours of Friday morning after taking a “yellow-white” paste thought to contain amphetamine.

Her death in York prompted police to issue an urgent health warning for people in the area not to risk taking any substance with a similar description.

A 21-year-old man, also believed to have taken the substance, is still in hospital but his condition is said to be improving.

Friends used the internet to pay tribute to popular Poppy who was studying at York College.

Ally Law wrote: “My deepest sympathies to the family & friends of Poppy Rodgers xxx.”

Jaaz Styles tweeted: “You were an incredible person, with a brilliant personality. I only spoke to you a few times but you were such a lovely girl x.”

Meghan Onderdonk wrote: “Wouldn’t be the person I am today if you weren’t such a big part of my life. RIPpoppy i love you.”

Oliver Tuley posted: “Surreal seeing that on the news & such a shame, a life taken away when she had so much to live for rippoppy.”

Sara-Leanne Win posted the message: “Poppy Rodgers... you will be missed. i love you angel, sleep tight sweetie.”

College spokeswoman Jill Sissons told the city’s The Press newspaper: “We are saddened to hear of the death of Poppy Rodgers.

“The college was working with Poppy to engage her in education and our thoughts go out to her friends and family.”

The headteacher at her previous school, King James’s School in Knaresborough, paid tribute to her.

Carl Sugden told the newspaper: “Poppy was a well-regarded girl and was popular and had a good group of friends.”

Meanwhile, two people arrested in connection with the death have been released on bail.

A 23-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, both from York, who were arrested in connection with the investigation, have been bailed, a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said.

Paramedics were called to a property in Tang Hall Lane, York at around 11.30pm on Thursday night and rushed Poppy to York District Hospital in an ambulance.

She died despite attempts to resuscitate her.

The force issued the following safety warning: “The yellow-white paste involved in this particular case is undergoing tests to determine exactly what it contains, although amphetamine is believed to be involved. Until this is confirmed, people are strongly urged not to risk taking substances matching this description or of a similar nature.

“One girl has already died and a young man is in a serious but stable condition at hospital, so the potential dangers are very real.”

Neighbours have spoken of their shock at the death.

Neighbour Tom Gibson said: “It is an absolute tragedy. I really feel for the parents of the girl.

“Apart from last night, there has been nothing unusual apart from, on occasion, a bit of noise.”