Girl, 14, dies of 'ecstasy overdose' at lockdown party as police warn about drug

The friends of a 14-year-old girl who died from a suspected ecstasy overdose have started a fundraiser for her funeral.

Jessica Hannah attended a lockdown party in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, on May 20 - just days after police rounded up suspects in a major county lines drugs bust a quarter of a mile away.

Friends say the teen would normally have been at school when she attended the gathering.

Jessica was rushed to hospital but died shortly afterwards. Another 13-year-old girl was also treated for non life-threatening effects of a drug, believed to be MDMA.

Paramedics called to the house alerted police who have launched an investigation and arrested two teenage lads.

The same North Yorkshire force also rounded up suspects in a county lines drug dealing operation within a quarter of a mile of the address only days earlier.

Jessica, from Scarborough, was named on social media by friends who have warned other young people not to dabble in illegal drugs.

One schoolgirl wrote: "RIP my gorgeous best friend the one who was there when everyone else left. The one who stood by me.

"You never failed to put a smile on my face. It was never a dull moment with you. I don't know what I am going to do without you.

"Please, please do not do drugs. It takes people's lives. It's not worth it."

Other tributes have also flooded in on social media.

Heart-breaking messages included: "She is looking down on us all making sure we are ok. Rest easy Jess until we meet again."

Another tribute read: "Jessica was loved by so many people, suddenly she tragically lost her life on the 20th of May.

"She was only 14 years old. She loved going out with her friends and loved the beach. She's going to be missed by so many."

Jessica's mum is a health care assistant who works in old people's homes. She originally came from Bradford but moved to Scarborough where Jessica grew up.

The family has declined to comment. A funding page has been set up for her funeral.

The page says: " Please help give this beautiful young girl the best send off she could possibly have.

"Her mum Kirsty has given me permission to help her through this tragic time. Thankyou."

The coroner has been informed but not date has been set for the inquest.

North Yorkshire Coroner's service said: "As this case is still under investigation there are no details available at the moment."

Police have appealed for information and issued a warning about illegal drugs after the tragedy.

Officers were called by the ambulance service to a report that a girl had become unwell at a house in North Marine Road, at about 4pm on Wednesday 20 May.

Two teenage girls were found unwell at the property and were taken by ambulance to hospital.

Hannah was pronounced dead at hospital a short time later. A 13-year-old girl remains in hospital. Her condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of offences involving the supply of Class A drugs. One has been released under investigation, the other remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Wright said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young girl who died as a result of this tragic event, and of all those affected by it.

"Extensive police enquiries are ongoing to determine the events around her death.

"Although our investigation is at an early stage, I would urge anyone who has acquired MDMA or other illegal drugs recently not to take them.

"If you have taken such a drug and feel unwell, it is vital that you seek medical help immediately.

"This is clearly a devastating incident, and I would ask everyone to respect the privacy of the families involved, and refrain from speculating about this incident online."

Anyone with information about the incident, who has not already spoken to police, is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference 12200084012.

On Sunday, May 17, police arrested three men believed to be linked to "a key county lines drug operation" just streets away from where Jessica died.

Two of the men, aged 18 and 19, were from the West Midlands. All were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs.