Mephedrone probe into teenager's death

Police were today investigating whether mephedrone contributed to the sudden death of a teenager.

Carmen Marie Moulton, 17, was found dead on Saturday afternoon after an ambulance was called to a house on William Street, Penrith, Cumbria, police said.

The teenager, of Tyne Close Terrace, in Penrith, was pronounced dead at the scene, after police were called to the house at 2.09pm by the ambulance service.

Two men, aged 19 and 31, and a 16-year-old girl, all from Penrith, have been arrested on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs.

They have been placed on police bail until May 25 pending further inquiries.

A 40-year-old man, also from Penrith, has also been arrested on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs and remains in custody in Carlisle for questioning, police said.

A post-mortem examination is expected to take place later today.

Carmen's mother, Michelle Hodgson, said: "We are all devastated by the loss of a caring, loving daughter who was full of life and had her whole life ahead of her.

"We would appreciate being left alone to grieve and come to terms with our loss, but would like to say thank you for the kind messages of condolence we have received."

Mephedrone has a similar effect to amphetamines, ecstasy or cocaine but also causes nausea, palpitations and vomiting.

The drug was listed as an illegal Class B substance from Friday after a law was rushed through Parliament.

It has been linked to several deaths, including those of Louis Wainwright, 18, and Nicholas Smith, 19, in Scunthorpe last month.