An urgent health warning has been issued for a sleeping tablet after seven adults were taken to hospital.

Cleveland Police issued the alert over a potentially “contaminated” batch of the drug Zopiclone, a prescription medicine which can help tackle insomnia, which could lead to “significant illness”.

Several people were admitted to North Tees General Hospital in Yorkshire yesterday who are all believed to be suffering from the effects of the drug.

One man is reported to have died after taking the drug, police said on Saturday.

Cleveland Police tweeted: “We're warning of a potentially dangerous substance called Zopiclone following several people in the centre of the town being admitted to hospital.”

In a more detailed statement, the force said: “On Friday 28 June police received reports of seven adults having been taken to North Tees General Hospital.

“They are all believed to be suffering the effects of a drug called Zopiclone.

“Officers are warning drug users of a potentially contaminated batch which could cause significant illness or lead to an overdose.

“Officers are also investigating the death of one man who is believed to have taken Zopiclone.

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“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who has information, or concerns about drugs in the community, is urged to call Cleveland Police on 101.

“Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

According to the NHS website, Zopiclone can be addictive.

Official advice on the drug reads: “You'll usually be prescribed zopiclone for just 2 to 4 weeks.

“This is because your body gets used to this medicine quickly, and after this time it's unlikely to have the same effect. Your body can also become dependent on it.”

The National Health Service also suggests that those who take the prescribed drug regularly should not stop taking it suddenly as consumers could suffer withdrawal symptoms.

Official advice continues to add that “Taking more than your prescribed dose of zopiclone can be dangerous.

“You may get symptoms including:

feeling drowsy, feeling confused, sleeping deeply and possibly going into a comafeeling dizzy, light-headed or faint due to low blood pressurefloppy musclesfalling over or losing your balanceshallow breathing or difficulty breathing

According to UK charity Recovery Lighthouse, 8 per cent of Britons could have issues with sleeping pill addictions.