POLICE have warned of the dangers of prescription drugs after a 15-year-old boy suffered a fatal allergic reaction to anti-depressant tablets.

An inquest at Durham County Hall yesterday heard how Steven Dawson suffered an extreme allergic reaction after swallowing about a dozen anti-depressants that a friend had stolen from a neighbour.

A Home Office pathologist told the inquest that Steven started hallucinating, suffered a massive asthma attack and died after coming off his bike in the Deerness Valley, near his home in Ushaw Moor.

Following his death on March 21, a cyclist came across the teenager's body in Langley Park lying face down in a water course at the bottom of a deep embankment.

Police initially suspected foul play but cuts and bruises found on his body came from his last frantic grapple for breath in the undergrowth rather than an assault.

A toxicology report revealed Steven, a pupil of Deerness Valley Comprehensive, had suffered a reaction to the anti-depressant pills, causing his throat, neck and lungs to inflame and swell up, triggering an asthma attack and blocking his breathing.

The boy's father, Alan Dawson, of Ash Avenue, Ushaw Moor, told the inquest: "We were so surprised that he had taken the tablets - there was no sign he was ever into drugs of any kind."

Deputy North Durham Coroner Brenda Davidson recorded a verdict of death by misadventure, and said she hoped young people would learn from the tragedy.

Speaking after the inquest, Detective Inspector Andy Reddick of County Durham Police, said adults should lock tablets in secure places.

He also warned youngsters not to take anything they did not know the effects of