Strong Ecstasy tablets linked to two men’s deaths

Lee Dunnachie, 22, and Steven Kelly, who was 19, died hours apart at separate locations in Ayrshire.

Detectives issued a warning after the deaths and said the victims were not connected to each other.

Officers are still awaiting the results of a post-mortem but they believe the deaths are linked to the drug.

Detective Inspector Craig McArthur, from Strathclyde Police, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our inquiries have revealed that they are extra strong.

“If that is the case then somebody could be popping a tablet and it could have the effect of taking six tablets.

“So in effect it is a lot, lot, stronger.”

The deaths are believed to have occurred several miles apart in Prestwick and in the village of Patna, according to reports.

Tributes were left on the social networking website Facebook after Mr Dunnachie’s death.

Kayleigh Dunnachie wrote on her Facebook wall: “RIP cuz GBNF.... Just another angel up there.. Keep the gates open for me and leave the stair way clear... Sleep tight xxxxx ur in my heart forever an always xxxxxx”.

Siobhan Sutherland also wrote: “Am in shock was a brill pal he just phoned me the otha day :-(xxx”.

Yesterday Strathclyde Police said they would be speaking to its partner agencies, including health workers, social work and alcohol and drug action teams, to alert “drug mis-users”.

The investigation into the deaths is ongoing.