A MAN has been arrested and a woman taken to hospital following an investigation into a strong batch of heroin believed to have caused a string of car crashes.

Police arrested a 46-year-old man in a raid in Hollywood, Selby, on suspicion of supplying drugs.

A 45-year-old woman, who was apparently unwell under the influence of drugs, was taken to hospital by ambulance from the same address after officers found her when they executed the warrant this morning.

Earlier this week, North Yorkshire Police said it was investigating that a batch of strong drugs, possibly heroin, was behind a string of crashes.

Five people were arrested this week on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs, following crashes around Selby.

Officers are working with addiction charity Compass to warn users about the new batch of drugs, and are contacting known drug users to check on their welfare and offer them advice.

The crashes all took place on Monday, the first in Charles Street at 11.55am, when a car hit parked cars and a road sign. The 46-year-old driver was arrested at the scene.

A 33-year-old man was arrested after a car came off the road in Bondgate at about 5.50pm, and the next crash was in New Millgate at 7.30pm, when a car drove into a lamp post. A police spokesman said a 40-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were arrested, as it was not clear on arrival who was driving.

A 34-year-old woman was arrested after officers stopped a car which was swerving in Bawtry Road at 7.40pm. All five people have since been released on bail.

On Monday, officers carried out a search of a property in Selby on Monday under the Misuse of Drugs Act, and a spokesman said inquiries were ongoing to find out who is supplying the drugs.

Officers are urging heroin users to remain vigilant and be aware that there is possibly a stronger than normal batch of drugs in circulation in the Selby area.

If you have any information that can help officers with their enquiries, please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for Selby police.

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12140039311 when passing information about this incident.