Unexplained death in Liverpool

Merseyside Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway following the death of a 26-year-old man in hospital this morning (Sunday, 20 January).

Emergency services were called at about 3.30am to a guest house in Tuebrook to a report that a male guest was unwell and had collapsed.

Paramedics attended and the 26-year-old was taken to hospital where he unfortunately died a short time later.

Officers say although the investigation is in the early stages it appears that the deceased man visited Liverpool on Saturday and is believed to have takentablets, possibly Ecstasy somewhere in the city.

The scene where the man fell ill has been sealed off for examination and enquiries are underway to establish the man's movements up until that time.

A post-mortem is to be conducted to establish the cause of death.

The man has not yet been formally identified but is believed to be from outside of the Merseyside area.

Officers are in the process of speaking tohis next-of-kin.

Detective Superintendent Tim Keelan, of Merseyside Police, said: "Althoughit is too early to say what caused this man's health to deteriorate, we areinvestigating the possibility that illegal drugs may have been involved.

"The implication that this may be drug related is just one of the lines ofinquiry that our comprehensive investigation is looking at."This death follows a number of possible Ecstasy related fatalities around the country and while it is too early to link this tragedy with any other incidents,

Merseyside Police are warning people of the dangers of taking any illegal substances.

"An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing."