THAMES VALLEY POLICE is appealing for witnesses following the death of a woman in Reading earlier this week, possibly from a contaminated batch of drugs.

A 39-year-old woman was taken ill at a property in Church End Lane in Reading at 11pm on Monday night.

The woman was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital by ambulance for treatment, but she died the following day.

Her next of kin has been informed and an investigation into her death is underway. 

A man who was with the woman who was also taken ill was rushed to Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment where he remains in a stable condition.

Investigating officer, Det Con Marius York from Force CID at Reading, said: "We believe that the death of the woman may be drugs-related, and that potentially she died as a result of a contaminated batch of drugs.

"I would of course urge everyone to steer well clear of any illegal drug use, but following this incident, we have concerns that there may be contaminated drugs in the Reading community which have the potential to cause more people serious illness or death.  

"I would like to speak to anyone who has any information about this incident, or who may be able to help us to establish where these drugs have come from."

The public are being invited to call either the 24-hour 101 number or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.