DRUG users across Herefordshire have been warned about a potentially lethal batch of heroin which has been linked to the death of a 23-year-old Ledbury man.

Kevin Bayliss, of Barnetts Close, died at Hereford County Hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The cause of death has not yet been established but the effects of drugs are suspected by Police.

The news has already sparked action by drug workers, long concerned about the trade in Ledbury.

Drugs worker Vicky Barnes said the tragedy might have been avoided if the town had a dedicated needle exchange for heroin users, giving them access to regular specialist advice.

Miss Barnes, the community development worker with Here-fordshire Drug Action Team, said that drug workers were notified by police of Mr Bayliss' death on Monday.

They immediately sent warnings to all known local drug users that contaminated, or too pure, heroin could be to blame.

She said: "We had two deaths last weekend. One in Hereford and one in Ledbury. The warning was that a dodgy batch of heroin could be going round."

There have been similar unexplained deaths recently in areas including Shropshire and Redditch.

A post-mortem on Mr Bayliss was held at Hereford County Hospital on Tuesday. Police and drugs workers are awaiting the results of toxicology tests.

Miss Barnes said a positive test could help to establish a linkage between all the unexplained deaths.

The funeral of Mr Bayliss will take place at Hereford Cremator-ium on Friday, November 21, at 2pm. There will be family flowers only. Donations can be given to Ledbury Youth First, which facilitates drug advice sessions.

West Mercia Police have issued a statement on the death saying: "Police have launched an investigation which is currently on-going. Two local people were subsequently arrested on Saturday, November 8."

Wesley Furber, of 35 Forge Bank, Bosbury, appeared before Herefordshire Magistrates on Monday charged with four counts of supplying heroin.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear before Worcester Crown Court on December 12.

A woman has also been charged by police with being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and has been bailed to appear before Herefordshire magistrates at a later date.

Last summer, Ledbury Youth Centre was used briefly as a needle exchange and groups, including the Drugs Advisory Service for Herefordshire (DASH), have been calling for an exchange centre to be re-established.