Essex Police have confirmed that the investigation into six suspected drug-related deaths have shown no clear scientific evidence to show a link between those who died.

Between Sunday, July 28, and Tuesday, July 30, six people died in the Westcliff, Leigh, Benfleet and Canvey areas.

Due to the closeness of the deaths in both time and geography and the possibility of Class A drug use, Essex Police launched an investigation.

Post-mortems and detailed toxicology tests were carried out and received in a report on Friday, August 9.

They confirmed that the death of a man in his 40s from Canvey on Tuesday, July 30, was being treated as a potential medical episode and a file would be passed to Her Majesty’s Coroner.

A statement released by Essex Police said: “A further toxicology report into the other five individuals confirmed that there is no clear scientific evidence to show a link between the victims.

“Our investigations, which have also been subject to a review by a criminal analyst, have also produced findings consistent with this.

“The families of all of those concerned have been updated and files are now being prepared for HM Coroner.”

The investigation has led to an interest of public safety, Essex Police and health and support services asked drug users to refrain from Class A drug for their safety.

Chief Supt Kevin Baldwin, South LPA Commander, said: “Given the high number of tragic deaths that occurred in such a short space of time and in areas of the county very close to one another, it would have been remiss of Essex police not to have carried out a full and robust investigation.

“As we suspected that a number of the deaths were drug-related we had to take every precaution to warn and inform those members of our community who do use illegal drugs.

“This was to ensure their safety and of course to prevent the possibility of further deaths or illness.

“We worked with our partners in health, support services and local authorities to ensure we did all we could to get our safety message out and protect our communities.

“Whilst the expert findings now show that these deaths were not scientifically linked, we must not forget that six people have sadly passed away and our thoughts remain with them and their families.

“Since our investigation begun we have not had any further reports of deaths in similar circumstances.”

Files for all those who died will now be prepared for Her Majesty’s Coroner.

Two men, a 36-year-old from London and a 29-year-old from Grays, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

They have been released on conditional bail until October.

If you have any information about drug-related crime in your community call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.