Blackpool has most deaths from heroin and morphine

Blackpool has the highest death rate from heroin and morphine in the UK, according to new figures.

There were 14 deaths per hundred thousand people in 2016.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) says that Burnley and Hyndburn are also in the ten areas with the worst record.

The report also found that six of the ten towns and cities with the highest rates of fatalities related to the substances are coastal holiday resorts.

It said the fortunes of seaside towns like Blackpool, have been in decline since traditional coastal holidays fell out of favour in the 1960s, with the advent of package holidays abroad.

Its article also pointed out that some of the 10 areas have high levels of deprivation, which could also link to increased drug use.