A BOY was questioned by police after three of his school mates were taken to hospital suffering from the suspected effects of drugs.

The pupil, from Staindrop Comprehensive School, Teesdale, was arrested after three boys, the youngest 11, were taken to hospital after staff became concerned.

When questioned the three admitted taking tablets, but told teachers they did not know what was in them. The alarm was raised immediately.

Two of the youngsters were kept in Darlington Memorial Hospital overnight. The third did not require an overnight stay and was released after treatment at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Police and ambulance were called after staff at the school raised the alarm at about noon on Wednesday.

Last night, headteacher Brian Kinnair praised staff for acting so promptly.

He said: "We contacted the ambulance and police. The boys were unwell and we were very worried about them. They said they had taken tablets, but we don't know what they were.

"I was very pleased with my colleagues, they acted very professionally."

He said the school condemned the use of drugs, adding: "We take this matter very seriously. The police are dealing with it and we are co-operating fully with them."

The three boys were said to have been showing symptoms including dilated pupils and shaking.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle police, said: "Three pupils were taken to hospital just after 1pm on Wednesday when they became ill following a suggestion that they had ingested some drugs.

"A 14-year-old and an 11-year-old were detained for observation in Darlington Memorial Hospital and a 14-year-old was released later the same day from Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

"One of the boys at Darlington Memorial Hospital was detained for a second night.

"A fourth pupil was arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug. A house search was carried out."

Insp Tuck said the boy was on police bail pending further inquiries. He added: "At this stage, it is unclear if the substance taken was a controlled or prescription drug."

The incident was revealed a day after a coroner warned that young people who experiment with drugs could pay the ultimate price.

South Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle spoke out after hearing how 15-year-old John Winter, of Barnard Castle, froze to death in a snow-covered field after leaving a party at a village hall.

The teenager had been drinking and post-mortem tests found traces of marijuana and Ecstasy in his body.

Anyone with information about the latest incident is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 0845 606 0365.