A TEENAGER found unconscious by the River Tees is thought to have taken illegal drugs.
The 15-year-old boy is believed to have suffered a bad reaction after taking cannabis and MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy.
The incident happened on October 14 and police are investigating.
He was taken to hospital and police say he will hopefully make a full recovery.
MDMA is a synthetic-based drug and is one of the most impure illicit drug markets, meaning it often is cut with other substances.
Sgt Angela Drasdo, of Barnard Castle Police, said: “An investigation is underway and several other individuals are also to be interviewed.
“Illegal drugs can prove fatal and thankfully this teenager will hopefully make a full recovery but it could have been a different story.
“A full investigation is underway but I would urge anyone who is offered drugs to think twice about taking them.”
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident reference number 319 of October 14 or email PCSO Preet Singh at preet.singh@durham.pnn.police.uk.