TWO men arrested in connection with an investigation into suspected drug deaths in south Essex have been released under investigation.

Essex Police is continuing its probe into the deaths, between July 28 and 30.

A major investigation was launched after six people died in the space of just three days in the Westcliff, Leigh, Benfleet and Canvey area.

Due to the closeness of the deaths, in both time and geography, and the possibility of Class A drug use, Essex Police launched an investigation to determine whether they were linked. After tests, police confirmed there was no evidence to link the deaths.

Initially, tributes were paid to 20-year-old Cian Daly who died in his home in Leigh and was suspected of taking drugs, while tributes were paid to Canvey man, Steven Burdett, 42, before it was discovered he had no drugs in his system and his death was ruled out.

Two men, a 36-year-old from London and a 29-year-old from Grays, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

They answered bail yesterday and have been released under investigation.