POLICE investigating a sudden death at the weekend, uncovered drugs worth up to £45,000 and thousands of pounds in cash.

Officers were called to a house in Wynyard Mews, Hartlepool, on Saturday where they found the body of 27-year-old Michael Owen in bed.

A search of the house uncovered a large amount of drugs, believed to be heroin with a street value of up to £45,000.

Later in the day, as part of the same investigation, a Volvo car was followed by police.

The Volvo was stopped and searched and about £10,000 in cash was recovered.

Two men, aged 23 and 38, from Hartlepool and a 29-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, were arrested and released on police bail until May pending further inquires.

Officers are awaiting the result of toxicology tests on the drugs.

Following a post-mortem examination on Mr Owen, of Richardson Street, Hartlepool, police are not treating the death as suspicious.

Commenting on the drugs haul, Detective Sergeant Tony Green of Hartlepool CID said: "This was a substantial discovery of what appears to be drugs.

"This sends a clear message that we will be relentless in our pursuit of those engaged in this despicable trade that destroys many innocent lives."