A DOZEN people died from drug-related causes in Herefordshire last year, according to new figures.

The Office for National Statistics said there were 12 drug-related deaths recorded in the county in 2020, the same number as in 2019.

The deaths relate to poisoning from a variety of illegal and legal drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines and count both deaths from drug abuse, accidents, suicides, and health complications arising from drug use.

In Herefordshire, eight deaths last year were down to misuse, meaning they involved illegal drugs, or were a result of drug abuse or dependence.

Across England and Wales, 4,561 deaths from drug poisoning were recorded in 2020 – two thirds of these from misuse.

It is the highest total since comparable records began in 1993, and the eighth successive year of increase.