A 27-year-old woman has died of a suspected drugs overdose in Orkney, while a man found in the same house as her was rushed to hospital.
The death of the woman – named locally as Louise Yates – was yesterday described as “unexplained” by Police Scotland, who said inquiries were ongoing.
The grim discovery of a body was made at a house in Kirkwall, near Orkney Library, on Tuesday afternoon.
A man found in the same home on Great Western Road was rushed to the town’s Balfour Hospital. His condition was described as “stable”.
It is understood Miss Yates had moved to Orkney from Manchester and had recently worked at the local Co-op superstore.
Kirkwall councillor John Ross Scott said he was saddened to hear of the death of the young woman, and passed on his condolences to her family and friends.
He added: “It is believed that this was sadly a result of a tragic overdose. It is concerning something like this happens in a community like Orkney, where such incidents are very rare.
“No local authority area in Scotland can escape the scourge of illegal drugs nowadays, but it has not historically been a major problem in Orkney.”
However, the community has recently raised funds to recruit a police drugs dog in a bid to combat the growing problem.
Councillor Dave Dawson added: “I am aware of the tragic death of a 27-year-old woman. I am confident that Police Scotland with carry out a full investigation into the circumstances.
“Our sympathies lie with her family and friends, especially coming up to the festive season. It is a tragedy.”
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police Scotland was made aware of the sudden death of a 27-year-old woman within a property on Great Western Road, Kirkwall shortly after 3.20pm on Tuesday.
“A 27-year-old man was taken to Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall from the same address.
“Inquiries are ongoing and an early stage.
“The death of the woman is currently being treated as unexplained.”