Two men have been found dead outside a BP garage, sparking a warning over contaminated heroin.

And a city drug treatment service says there was a third similar death in Oxford.

Emergency services were called to Vineyard in Abingdon after reports the pair had suffered a 'medical emergency'.

Police have revealed that the men, who were both in their 40s, were pronounced dead at the scene.

And following the deaths, the Public Health Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Team sent out an alert warning drug users of a contaminated batch of heroin.

Andy Symons from Turning Point, said the drug and alcohol treatment service was aware of a potential drug-related death in Oxford in addition to the two deaths on Tuesday.

He said: “We have been aware of a number of fatalities which were potentially drug related and most of it we think is linked to a contaminated batch of heroin.

“It is very unusual, in my seven years in Oxfordshire we have never known this number of deaths in a single day.

"Generally, we have a very low number of drug-related deaths, so to have two potentially three in one day is extremely high.”

Mr Symons explained that there has been a problem over the past three months with contaminated heroin. It is believed that the heroin has been cut with fentanyl making it stronger.

He added: “Some people are not sure how much they are using in terms of the purity of the heroin and that is potentially why the deaths are suspected to be drug-related.”

But Mr Symons said that it is very difficult to know the exact cause of death until toxicology reports are through.

Since the death of two men in Abingdon, Turning Point has been working in homeless supported housing. The service has also been working with the police to ensure that people are aware of the contaminated batch of heroin to try and minimise the risk.

Thames Valley Police said: “We were called yesterday along with the ambulance at 2am following reports that two people had suffered a medical emergency.

“Officers attended but sadly two men, both aged in their 40s, were pronounced dead at the scene.

“Their deaths are being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and their next of kin have been informed.

“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Neither of the men’s identities have been released.

Balan Nadarajah, manager at the BP garage said when he opened the garage on Tuesday morning, he saw a police van. He heard that two men had died and that the deaths were related to drugs.

Mr Nadarajah said: “This is part of a bigger problem and people in Abingdon will take this very seriously.”

He added: “Nobody bothers us, we are just concerned about their life.”

Owners of the Londis shop on Vineyard also said they saw a police car and cordon on Tuesday morning and heard the death was related to drugs.

If anyone would like drug and alcohol support or if you are concerned about yourself or a family member call Turning Point on 01865 261690.