TWO men were treated in intensive care after taking what is suspected to be a bad batch of cocaine.

Police have issued a warning for drug users to remain vigilant after the two men became seriously ill after sharing the cocaine.

Paramedics were called to a house in Accrington Road when one of the men became seriously ill in the early hours of this morning.

Another man, who had shared the drugs with him earlier on, was found collapsed in the street nearby.

The men, who are aged 35 and 22 and are both from Blackburn, were taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where they were treated in the intensive care unit.

Police feared the men's reaction to the drug may have proved fatal but after medical treatment their conditions improved. They remain in a serious but stable condition this afternoon.

Detectives are now working to find the source of the drug and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

No arrests have so far been made.

Det Sgt Iain Czapowski said: “We are currently investigating the source of this cocaine and are trying to establish why these men suffered such a severe adverse reaction to it.

“Initially we feared their reaction could prove fatal but after intense medical treatment they are fortunately recovering in hospital.

“We would advise anyone to avoid taking illegal drugs, however if you have taken cocaine and start to feel unwell, or experience any unusual reaction, please seek medical help immediately.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101.