POLICE have sent out a strong warning about the dangers of illegal drugs following the deaths of four men.

Officers spoke out after toxicology tests revealed that drugs were a factor in all four recent deaths in Newcastle.

In three of the cases, it appeared that a cocktail of different drugs was taken.

This could have included a blue tablet found at the scene, police said last night.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin ruled out a batch of rogue drugs as the cause of the deaths - although she said the blue drugs could prove fatal in large quantities.

She said: "The blue tablets, a mixture of paracetamol and diazepam, could be lethal in large amounts, specially if taken with other substances.

"They are new to us and we believe they are being made illegally in the Newcastle area. We are carrying out inquiries to track down the main outlet.

"We are warning people against them in the strongest possible terms but we want to speak to anyone who has information about their manufacture or supply.

"These deaths have demonstrated yet again the serious risk, as with any illegal drugs and the need for effective rehabilitation measures."

Anyone with information about the blue tablets is asked to call police on 0191-214 6555.