A TEENAGER who lay critically ill in hospital for almost a week after taking an Ecstasy tablet has died.

Lisa Teasdale, 15, from Middlesbrough, died yesterday afternoon at Middlesbrough General Hospital with her parents at her bedside.

She had been in intensive care since being admitted in the early hours of Saturday. Lisa took the drug while at a Middlesbrough night club on Friday night and shortly afterwards, became unwell.

She went to her sister's house, where she lost consciousness, and an ambulance was called.

On Tuesday, police arrested a 30-year-old woman and a 15-year-old girl in connection with the supply of controlled drugs. They have since been released on bail, and officers are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination before continuing their investigation.

Detective Sergeant Heather Eastwood said: "This tragic incident illustrates the dangers of taking illegal drugs. A young girl has lost her life and the lives of her family and friends have been devastated.

"It should be realised that people who take drugs literally put their lives at risk. This tragedy should send a message home to all parents to be vigilant and ensure their children stay away from drugs."

The latest tragedy follows the death of two other 15-year-olds in the region from drugs.

Catherine Longstaff, from Bishop Auckland, County Durham, died from a suspected heroin-related incident in May and a fortnight later, Stacey Laight, of Horden, near Peterlee, died after taking a suspected cocktail of Ecstasy, alcohol and prescription drugs.

Last night, Lisa's parents were too upset to talk about the tragedy.