TWO people have been arrested in connection with the death of a 13-year-old who died from an apparent drugs overdose.

Police said a man and a woman -- both in their 30s believed to be from Darwen-- were arrested at 7.30am today on suspicion of abduction.

The woman was also being held on suspicion of drug offences. Both are to be quizzed today at Blackburn by detectives investigating the case.

School friends of the dead girl, Melissa Strickson, have been receiving counselling as they try and come to terms with the tragedy.

And prayers were also being said today at the school where her friend, who is critically ill in hospital, is a pupil.

Richard Bridges, headteacher at Darwen Moorland High School, said a number of pupils had been to see the school's counsellor after hearing the news about Melissa Strickson. Another counsellor has been brought in to help with the numbers.

The Year Nine pupil was found unconscious at an address in Sudell Road, Darwen, on Wednesday morning by sister Vicky, 11, after they and two other friends had stayed the night there. Melissa was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary but pronounced dead on arrival.

Annalise Stockley, 14, is serious but stable in the intensive care unit at Pendlebury Children's Hospital, Manchester.

Today Lynn Dunnings, head at Darwen Vale High School, where Annalise is a pupil, said: "We were all shocked at what has happened and our thoughts are with all the families involved.

"Prayers have been said for Annalise and pupils are collecting cards which we hope to send to her."

Both Melissa and Annalise are believed to have taken prescribed drugs -- possibly the strong painkiller Cocodamol. Vicky and the other girl, Jenny Bradshaw, 11, were unharmed and did not take any tablets.

Staff at Darwen Moorland High School held a special assembly for Melissa, of Tythebarn Street, yesterday morning.

Mr Bridges said: "I don't know the exact number, but quite a few have seen the school's counsellor, who is obviously trained in these matters to talk to both children and adults. The counsellors will both be here today for those that need them."

"We had an assembly for her year yesterday and we prayed for her. The children had time to reflect on the events and you could have heard a pin drop."

Mr Bridges has sent a letter of condolences to Melissa's parents, Victor and Sue, and revealed that the school was planning to honour her.