Tragic Ellie had taken drug

INITIAL toxicology results have revealed that 16-year-old Ellie Jones, who died tragically at Warrington last weekend, had taken the drug PMA.
Police today said they could not confirm that the drug had caused the teenager’s death, but tests have shown it was present in her system.
If it is confirmed as the cause of her death it will bring the number of deaths across the county associated with PMA to four this year.
PMA comes in many forms including tablet, powder and crystal. It is not absorbed as quickly as other drugs and, as a result, users have been known to take excessive amounts as they mistakenly believe it to be other drugs which usually have a more immediate effect.
This results in users potentially taking lethal doses by mistake.
PMA is a type of amphetamine known as “Paramethoxyamphetamine”. It is an illegal substance and possession, use or selling the drug is a criminal offence.
Superintendent Martin Cleworth said: “Ellie’s death last weekend shocked everyone and now we have the initial toxicology results back indicating she had taken PMA.
“We have a duty to warn people about the potentially fatal consequences taking this drug can have and would urge people to obtain urgent medical assistance on behalf of anyone suspected to have taken PMA who suffers difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, nausea or starts to vomit.
“This is the fourth death we have had this year in Cheshire alone that is associated to PMA, and we are working together with our partners in health, colleges, schools and drug agencies to get warnings out to as many people as possible.
“If anyone has any information about who may be supplying this fatal drug across Cheshire I would urge them to contact police, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously so we can continue to do all we can to remove them from our streets and prevent anyone else going through the heartache Ellie’s family have gone through.”
Cathy Fitzgerald from Warrington’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team said:
“Drugs have a big effect on people’s health and wellbeing and so we would strongly advise not to take any illegal drugs or ‘legal highs’, as they all come with great risk.
“If you or someone you are with find yourselves suffering from the symptoms of this drug, it’s vital that you seek medical attention straight away.”
Anyone wishing to access drugs information or support should call 01925 415176 and or visit 14-16 Bold Street in the town centre.”
Ellie, a pupil at St Gregory’s High School, Warrington was taken to hospital experiencing breathing difficulties shortly after 3.30 am on Saturday May 18. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and medical staff, she died a short time later.
Six people have now been arrested in connection with her death and have all been bailed pending inquiries.