A YOUNG boy is seriously ill and three other people are in hospital after it is believed they ate and drank drugs which had been left in a kettle.

Police and ambulance crews were called to a house in Queen Street, Darwen, at 8pm last night after two 21-year-old women and their two four-year-old boys showed signs of having taken an overdose of a controlled drug.

It is believed the women used a kettle, in which several tablets were kept without their knowledge, to make some instant mashed potato and cups of tea.

All four soon complained of feeling unwell with high temperatures and called the ambulance service. One of the women is also eight months pregnant.

A 21-year-old man, who lives at the address, was later arrested and is being questioned by police at Greenbank police station.

All four were taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary and one child has been transferred to Pendlebury Hospital, Manchester.

Police describe his condition as serious while the other boy has been transferred to Queen's Park Hospital where he is being kept under observation.

Today neighbours in Queen Street spoke of their shock. Alan Gradwell, 61, said: "I know the family in passing but they keep themselves to themselves really.

"It's horrible when something like this happens to anyone, especially ones so young."

A young mum, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard a commotion around 8pm last night with police cars racing up the street. It's a terrible thing to happen to such young children."

Insp Steve Samlesbury of Lancashire Police said: "All these people were displaying symptoms that they had taken controlled drugs. They were taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary for assessment and since this time one of the children has been taken to Pendlebury in Manchester."

Det Supt Mick Gradwell has been called in from police HQ at Hutton to lead the investigation.