Drugs link to boys' suicide

A leading sixth-form college may have become embroiled in the drugs underworld, resulting in two pupils committing suicide. Jack Tasker, the head of Sir John Deane's College, in Northwich, Cheshire, has written to parents warning them of the danger presented by drug pushers. James Pearson, 16, from Chester, died after apparently jumping from a building in Blackpool last month and Paul Thomas, 18, from Middlewich, died in a fume-filled car in Crewe at the weekend after reportedly telling friends: "I can't cope."

It was reported that one boy committed suicide because he was in debt to a dealer. Last night Mr Tasker refused to comment on the report.