North Yorkshire police have identified a 15 year old boy who died after taking drugs.

Josh Reeson, from New Earswick, passed away in hospital yesterday after being found in an alley in York by a member of the public.

Police officers were alerted to the incident by the ambulance service at around 7.10am on Sunday, September 27, after the boy was found by a member of the public in an alley off Hospital Fields Road, in York, shortly before 4am.

It is believed the boy was with a group of others who were taking illegal drugs.

An investigation was launched and specialist officers are conducting searches and enquiries across the city, in order to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

North Yorkshire Police said six people between the ages of 14 and 37 were arrested on suspicion of drugs supply offences and last night they remained in police custody. Two were released under investigation, four others are continuing to help police with enquiries.>

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jim Glass said: “This is an extremely tragic incident which has resulted in a teenage boy losing his life.

“A team of specially trained officers are supporting the family at this time and I ask that their privacy is respected.

“We will do everything we can to find out how the drugs ended up in the hands of these teenagers. However we also need your help.

“If anyone knows someone who is dealing drugs, or is concerned about a person who is taking drugs, please come and speak to the police. We are here to help and to keep you safe and any information you can give us might just save a life.”

Anyone who saw a group of teenagers in the area in early hours of this morning is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police.

Dial 101, press 1 and pass information onto the force control room.

If anybody knows anyone who is taking or dealing drugs they are also asked to contact North Yorkshire Police. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800-555111.