DANGER drug mephedrone has been linked to the death of a young woman in North Yorkshire.

The community of Norton, in Ryedale, was today uniting in grief following the death of the 24-year-old woman, who has been described as “adored” and “popular”.

Local councillor Howard Keal said he was “appalled and horrified” about the deadly effects of the “legal high”, a popular party drug often used as a substitute to ecstasy or cocaine.

Coun Keal also backed The Press’s Menace of Mephedrone campaign to outlaw the drug.

North Yorkshire Police were called at about 9am yesterday after the woman, who has not yet been officially named, was found by a friend at an address in the town.

A force spokesman said: “Detectives are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, however there is a suggestion that legal high mephedrone (MCAT) may be a factor.

“A post-mortem examination will be held in the next few days.

“We will also be preparing a report for the coroner.”

Deborah Cook, landlady of The Union Inn, in Commercial Street, Norton, said she was a family friend of the victim and described her as a “very quiet girl who kept herself to herself”.

“She was loving, kind and very popular,” she said. “She was adored by all.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and speaking to people who may have seen the woman in the days leading up to her death Detective chief inspector Nigel Costello, of Malton CID, heading the investigation, said: “Although at this time it cannot be determined whether mephedrone is present within the deceased’s system or whether the drug played any part in her death, the police would like to warn people about the use of the drug and its potentially lethal consequences.

“If you have used this drug and feel unwell then you should seek urgent medical assistance.

“If you possess this supposed legal substance then please hand it to the police or dispose of it safely.

“Although mephedrone is currently not classified as an illegal drug, people need to know that this substance is very dangerous and it is important that anyone who has taken it contacts their local GP or hospital immediately.”

Coun Keal said: “I’m appalled and horrified that this deadly drug has been linked to the death of a young woman.

“It is shocking to know it may be available here and may have resulted in such a tragedy.

“I absolutely 110 per cent back The Press’s campaign to ban this drug.”

The death came on the same day as The Press’s campaign was backed by the families of Nick Smith, 19, and his friend Louis Wainwright, 18, who died after taking the “legal high” on a night out in Scunthorpe last week.

The Press launched its campaign in January after a sixth-former at Woldgate College in Pocklington collapsed after taking the drug.

Anyone with information about the Norton incident or the supply of mephedrone in the area should phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.