THREE people were found unconscious outside a pub in the early hours of this morning having ingested a dangerous chemical.

Two women, aged 27 and 22, and a 22-year-old man were taken to hospital after being discovered outside the Zetland Pub, on Marske High Street, in east Cleveland, at about 12.35am.

The 27-year-old woman and the 22-year-old man have regained consciousness this morning, whilst the 22-year-old woman remains in a critical condition in James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

They are believed to have ingested a chemical, possibly gamma-butyrolactone, which is a colourless and odourless liquid.

Police officers are warning people not to take dangerous chemicals as their effects can be extremely harmful or even fatal.

Witnesses are asked to call Detective Inspector Mark Dimelow, of Kirkleatham Police Office on 01642-302626.