Two men die in Cork from suspected heroin overdoses
Two men have died in Cork in the past 24 hours from suspected heroin overdoses.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is investigating if the deaths are linked to a strong batch of heroin.
It said it had become aware of a number of people attending the emergency department at Cork Hospital requiring medical treatment.
The HSE has alerted medical professionals in the region to be alert for patients presenting as a result of heroin misuse.
Community and voluntary groups working with drug users have also been alerted and Irish police have been informed.
The HSE said if people get into difficulty after taking a substance it was critically important to seek help immediately.