By John Connell

Last updated at 11:34, Tuesday, 01 May 2012

Police are investigating whether the death of a 24-year-old Workington man in Birmingham city centre was linked to a “dangerous drug”.

Carl Fearon

It is understood that Carl Fearon, 24, whose family live on Scawfell Avenue in Workington, was found dead at an address in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.

A 28-year-old woman also collapsed in another part of the city at about 9pm and died later in hospital.

Officers are investigating whether both deaths are linked to a drug known as Gamma-Butyrolactone or GBL and also whether the man and the woman were “associated”.

A post mortem and toxicology tests are due to take place today .

The 28-year-old woman was found collapsed in the Northfield area of Birmingham and received emergency treatment.

She was taken to hospital where, despite the efforts of medical staff, she died.

Two other men were also found collapsed at the same address and were also taken to hospital for emergency treatment. Both have now been discharged.

Detective Inspector Andy Hawkins, from Force CID, said: “A post mortem, including a toxicological examination, will be undertaken to establish the cause of death in both incidents. We are appealing for anyone with information to contact us.”

He said: “We believe that the controlled substance Gamma-Butyrolactone or GBL, the base solvent to a number of alloy wheel cleaners, super glue removers and paint strippers, may have been used as a drug at the gathering at the address in Northfield.”

Barry Eveleigh, lead commissioner for drug treatment for the Birmingham drug and alcohol action team, said: “GBL is a dangerous drug, closely related to GHB. Taking GBL or GHB puts users at significant risk of unconsciousness, coma or even death.

It is understood that Mr Fearon’s funeral will be held in Workington. Mr Fearon lived in Birmingham where he worked as an electrical engineer and software engineer.

His hobbies included boxing, mixed martial arts, cage fighting and performing arts including fire breathing,body burning, angle grinding, stilt walking and unicycling.

Mark Hodgson, who runs Hokushinko Martial Arts and Fitness Centre where Mr Fearon trained, said: “He was a really nice lad

“Everyone is really shocked."

Meanwhile, a tribute page called RIP Carl Fearon has been set up by friends.

Brian Downes wrote: “So glad got to chat to you one last time the other week, even if it was just for few minutes. You’ll be on my mind and in my heart forever bro R.I.P. x”

First published at 11:25, Tuesday, 01 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk