York girl, 16, died after taking ‘amphetamine paste’

Police said Poppy Rodgers, who died early on Friday, took a “yellow-white” paste thought to contain amphetamine.

The inquest into the 16-year-old’s death was opened and adjourned today by York coroner Donald Coverdale.

The youngster’s parents, Ann and Mark, listened as Mr Coverdale read a brief statement outlining the facts as he opened the inquest in his office in York.

He said Poppy had “taken something” on the evening on April 19 and shortly afterwards she became unwell and slurred her speech.

“She collapsed and became unresponsive. Paramedics attended promptly,” he told the parents.

He said she was rushed to York District Hospital and admitted at 12.05am on April 20.

“She was clearly unwell. Resuscitation was attempted but proved to be unsuccessful,” he added.

Mr Coverdale said Poppy was confirmed dead in the early hours of April 20.

The inquest heard the teenager lived at Long Marston near York but had recently been staying with friends in the city in Tang Hall Lane.

The coroner said further tests were needed to determine the cause of Poppy’s death. He also said police inquiries were ongoing and adjourned the inquest to a date to be fixed.

Following today’s brief hearing, Mr Rodgers thanked the police for their “fantastic” support but declined to comment further.

Earlier Poppy’s parents paid tribute to their daughter in a statement issued through North Yorkshire Police.

They said: “Poppy was a bright, young girl with the world ahead of her. She had a personality that charmed everyone and from a very young age put a smile on the face of everyone who met her.

“We have lost a beautiful, funny and charming daughter and we miss her terribly.”

Paramedics were called to a property in Tang Hall Lane, York at around 11.30pm last Thursday.

Her death 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, was discharged from York District Hospital.

A 23-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, both from York, were arrested in connection with the investigation and were bailed on Saturday.