More than 400 ecstasy pills have been found hidden in a public place by police officers investigating the deaths of two men in Ipswich.

On Sunday night the drugs, which match the description of the ‘Superman’ pills linked to the deaths, were found concealed near Norwich Road in the town.

Officers have hailed the discovery as a “significant development” in their investigations.

The deaths of two men, that of a 22-year-old in Bramford Lane on Christmas Eve and that of a 24-year-old in Provan Court on New Year’s Day, have been connected to the dangerous pills.

A third death, that of a 20-year-old man in Chestnut Close, Rendlesham, is being investigated and may also be linked to the drugs.

A second man found in a serious condition at Provan Court was rushed to hospital where he is making a recovery. A 37-year-old man from Ipswich also required hospital treatment after claiming to have taken the drug but has since been discharged.

The tablets are red/pink in colour, triangular and have the Superman ‘S’ logo embossed on them.

Chief Superintendent Jon Brighton from Suffolk Constabulary said: “This seizure is a significant development in our investigation into the supply of dangerous drugs which are believed to be linked to the tragic deaths of two young men in Ipswich.

“If these prove to be the same as those linked to these cases we will have gone a significant way towards reducing the risk of further serious injury or deaths linked to this particular ecstasy pill.

“We do not know however how many are still in circulation, so I continue to urge anyone in possession of these drugs to hand them in to police or partner agencies.”

Officers are also looking at potential links to similar deaths elsewhere in the country including in the West Mercia area.

The deaths have been referred to the coroner and inquests will open in due course.

A 19-year-old man, Adrian Lubecki of St Matthews Street in Ipswich, was charged with being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs (ecstasy) and possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

He was been remanded in custody and appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday.

A 20-year-old man and a 26-year-old man from Ipswich, arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs have been released on police bail pending further investigation.

Both are due to return to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre on February 18.

Anyone in possession of the pills is asked to surrender them to police, in person or by calling 101, or at the following in Ipswich:

• CRI, St Matthews Street

• MVA Team, 70 – 74 St Helens Street

• Fire service, Princes Street, Ipswich

If you have taken illegal drugs or if you know someone who has become unwell after taking illegal drugs and needs urgent medical care call 999 and ask for the ambulance service.

If you have information about the supply of this or other illegal drugs call Suffolk police on 101 or pass information anonymously via the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

For drugs information and advice visit the Talk To Frank website www.talktofrank.com or call the 24/7 National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00