A GIRL of 13 has been arrested by police investigating the source of sleeping tablets taken by 14 teenagers who later needed hospital treatment.

The pills were believed to have been taken from a medicine cabinet and were later swallowed by the teenagers, all students at Norham Community Technical College, in North Shields, Tyneside.

It was the second serious drugs-related incident in the area in the past week.

Seven youngsters from nearby Wallsend were taken to hospital when they collapsed following a drink and drugs binge a week ago.

In the latest incident, police received calls at about 9pm on Tuesday regarding the supply of stolen prescription drugs to children.

All of the youths, aged 14 and 15, have since been discharged from hospital.

A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: ''A 13-year-old had been arrested and has been bailed to return to North Shields police station next month."