Jeni Larmour tragedy: Police make 11th arrest in Newcastle drugs probe after four deaths

Northumbria Police said inquiries were ongoing into the deaths of two 18-year-old women, who were found unresponsive over the weekend in the same Newcastle University student accommodation, and two men believed to have taken ecstasy elsewhere.

The women were first years who had been in the city for less than 48 hours, and were suspected of taking ketamine.

One of them was Jeni Larmour, described by her former school where she was deputy head girl, as a “model pupil”.

The Royal School in Armargh, Northern Ireland, said: “We have no doubt, that given her academic ability and personality, Jeni had a bright future ahead of her and we are saddened that has been so suddenly cut short.”

Ms Larmour’s mother worked at Ulster Carpets, a manufacturer in Co Armagh.

A company statement said: “This is a private family matter and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.

“Sandra Larmour is a long-standing employee with Ulster Carpets.

“Her colleagues are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of her daughter Jeni and the Company will support Sandra in whatever way we can.”

Over the same weekend, an 18-year-old from Washington, Tyne and Wear – who was not a student, and a 21-year-old from Northumbria University died after they were suspected of separately taking MDMA.

Northumbria Police said officers would not be releasing any of the identities of the young people who died at this stage.

Police made 10 arrests for drugs-related offences over the weekend, and on Tuesday held a 30-year-old man on suspicion of supplying a Class A drug.

More searches of student blocks have been carried out by the police.

Chief inspector Steve Wykes urged any students who have illegal drugs to dispose of them safely, either by contacting a university welfare officer or by visiting their local police station.

He said: “We are all still in shock at what has been an incredibly sad and difficult weekend.

“Public safety is our absolute priority and we are working closely with our partners at the universities and in the local authorities to ensure all students and everyone living in our local communities are fully supported at this time.”

Professor Fiona Measham, chair in criminology at Liverpool University and co-founder of The Loop – a harm reduction charity which promotes health and well-being in nightlife venues – said freshers’ week in lockdown may have played a part in the deaths.

“There’s no nightclubs and pubs close at 10pm,” she said. “Nightclubs are a semi-safe space, they have registered door staff and security, the bigger clubs often have paramedics, they have chill out spaces.

“If you don’t have nightclubs open, you lose that safety net.”

Newcastle University pro-vice chancellor Professor Chris Day disagreed, saying freshers’ week had barely begun and stressed there are support services for new students.

“Whatever difficulties you have gone through, we have ample support both at the university and in the city,” he said.

“Whatever those problems are, please do not turn to excessive alcohol or drugs to solve them because you have seen the potential consequences.”

Chief Inspector Steve Wykes said: “Illegal drugs are never safe and the danger that they pose cannot be under-estimated.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101.

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