MORE than 20 addicts have fallen victim to a potentially deadly batch of heroin being distributed on Teesside.

Cleveland Police said the number of hospital cases arising from distribution of the contaminated heroin was soaring.

Three more cases of respiratory failure brought on by taking the contaminated wraps have been treated at the James Cook University Hospital, bringing the total hospitalised at Middlesbrough to 13.

A further four received emergency treatment at Stockton's North Tees Hospital and five were admitted to Hartlepool General Hospital.

"All have occurred in the last couple of days," said a spokesman for Cleveland Police.

"In each case, the heroin overdose has resulted in respiratory failure."

Detectives are extremely concerned about the batch and are urging addicts to be wary of the contaminated drug, which is slightly darker than normal and hard to dissolve, forming a tar-like appearance when mixed with citric acid.

Detective Superintendent Stewart Swinson, Middlesbrough crime manager, said: "It is imperative that addicts avoid this suspect drug. If they are offered it or know about its circulation, we would ask they would alert us as soon as possible."

Members of the group Parents and Addicts Against Narcotics in the Community (Panic) are taking the warning out to the drug takers themselves.

"We have been out on the streets with leaflets: these people don't read the papers and have not got a television to watch the news," said group spokeswoman Tina Williams. "We have been out giving warnings to users. We have been putting leaflets in the telephone boxes they are using to ring for deals.

"We are warning users to look out for this stuff, which is lethal."

Dr Ian Guy, of Middlesbrough's Fulcrum medical practice, said: "This stuff seems to be three or four times more powerful than what was being bought last week."

Mr Kean Chew, consultant in accident and emergency at the James Cook University Hospital said: "Impurities in drugs like heroin are fairly common because they are not manufactured in controlled conditions.

"The important thing is that we have treatment plans in place for people who have taken an overdose, which would include very close observation and administering an antidote if necessary."

Anyone with information about the batch is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or police on (01642) 303126.