ONE of Colchester’s leading charities has offered its support to the community after a fourth person died from a class A drug overdose.

Open Road, which supports recovering addicts, warned earlier this week of further deaths because of the synthetic opioids which are being incorporated into heroin.

The regional manager for Open Road, Matthew Gaunde, reiterated that warning on Friday and sent his condolences to all those affected.

He said: “Open Road's thoughts are with anyone affected by this latest tragedy.

Gazette: Warning – Ellie Harris said part of the reason for the drug crisis is the synthetic opioids being laced into heroinWarning – Ellie Harris said part of the reason for the drug crisis is the synthetic opioids being laced into heroin (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“We would like to say to all people using heroin and crack cocaine to please take care.

“The current supply may be contaminated with synthetic opioids which are significantly more powerful and regardless of when drugs were purchased care should be taken.

“The most dangerous method is injecting and if this is how you normally use the drug, please consider other methods of use.

“Try to not use alone and please consider carrying Naloxone.”

Naloxone, which is an opioid antagonist, is a potentially lifesaving drug which can restore breathing to heroin users after they have overdosed.

But the synthetic opioids feared to have contaminated large batches of heroin are so strong they can make the Naloxone redundant.

Despite this, users are still strongly recommended to carry the drug or take steps to obtain it by visiting the Colchester branch of Open Road in Queen Street.

Mr Gaunde added: “Such is the potency of heroin cut with synthetic opioids you might need more than one pack of Naloxone.

“If you need a supply of Naloxone, please visit our Colchester centre – this includes concerned friends or family members, as anyone can be trained to administer Naloxone in minutes, and it is lifesaving.

Gazette: Support – the Open Road SOS bus is in Colchester High Street on Friday and Saturday evenings to support anyone who may have taken drugsSupport – the Open Road SOS bus is in Colchester High Street on Friday and Saturday evenings to support anyone who may have taken drugs (Image: Newsquest)

“We will also tell you how to spot the signs of overdose and what to do in an emergency.

“If you would like any information on how we can support you or someone you care about that is affected by drugs, please talk to us.

“On 12 June our SOS Bus will be in Greenstead where needle exchange and Naloxone will be available, we encourage anyone that needs help or has questions to visit us that day.”

Anyone who requires support from Open Road should contact the charity on 01206 369782.