Number of Bristol deaths from drug misuse is at a record high

New Government figures show the number of drug related deaths has risen. Credit: ITV West Country

The number of deaths in Bristol caused by drugs is at a record high according to Government figures.

The Office for National Statistics says 93 people in the city died from drug misuse between 2014 and 2016.

Campaigners are calling for changes in the law to prevent more people dying.

The statistics show Bristol had more drug related deaths than any other city in the South West.

There has also been a sharp increase since the 2011-13 period when ONS figures report a total of 65 deaths in the city.

Bristol had more illegal drug deaths than any other city in the South West. Credit: ITV West Country

Transform Drug Policy Foundation say the number of deaths from drug misuse would be lower if the approach to drug treatment and enforcement were changed.

The total number of drug misuse deaths in England between 2014-16 was 6,803. This is nearly 40% higher than in 2011-13.

There has been a national rise in the number of drug-related deaths. Credit: ITV West Country

Rose Humphries of the Anyone's Chid Project lost two sons to heroin overdoses. She says regulating drugs is better than criminalising them.

The original data from the ONS can be found here.