Police have issued a warning about the dangers of red ecstasy tablets which have been linked to the deaths of two young men in Suffolk over Christmas and New Year.

The tablets are red, triangular in shape and embossed with an ‘S’, described as the ‘Superman’ logo.

The two men, who are believed to have taken the drugs, died in Ipswich on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Another death in West Mercia may also be linked to the pills.

Head of the safeguarding command Det Supt Paul Maghie, said: “I would like to emphasise that we have no intelligence to suggest that these pills are in circulation in Hertfordshire at this time but this picture could change and we have a duty to protect people from harm.

“These tablets are thought to contain large doses of Paramethoxymethylamphetamine, commonly known as PMMA, which has different effects to the common ecstasy pill, MDMA (methylenedioxymethylamphetamne).

“PMMA can take different times to take effect which often results in users taking more of it, often resulting in serious harm.

“There is no way of knowing what is in any pill, therefore it is safest to steer clear altogether.

“Police forces across the country are doing all they can to reduce the risk of further serious injury or deaths linked to this particular ecstasy pill.

“We do not know how many are still in circulation, so I urge people not to take these drugs and anyone in possession of them to hand them in to police or partner agencies.”

If you have taken illegal drugs or if you know someone who has become unwell after taking illegal drugs and needs urgent medical care call 999 and ask for the ambulance service.

Anyone in possession of the drug is asked to surrender it to police in person or by calling 101.

If you have information about the supply of this or other illegal drugs call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

For drugs information and advice visit the Talk to Frank website: www.talktofrank.com or call the 24/7 National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00.

Alternatively, call Spectrum, the Hertfordshire drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service on 0800 652 3169.