TWO people have been taken to hospital as a result of a 'life-threatening' batch of rogue ecstasy tablets just a week before a major music festival.

The pair were admitted to hospital on the Isle of Wight on Tuesday evening and are now recovering at home. It is believed that red tablets, known as ‘Beano’s’ or ‘Red Death Cons’, were bought from someone in Sandown on Tuesday.

Police are now holding a drugs amnesty and have issued a warning over the substances, which may contain ketamine or methamphetamine, stressing that taking these tablets could be life threatening.

Anyone who has bought drugs thought to be ecstasy is being urged to hand them in at Newport Police Station for analysis as part of Hampshire Constabulary's investigation, adding that you will not face prosecution.

DC Jessica Hughes, who is leading the investigation, said: “We do not condone the sale or use of any illegal substances, however in this particular case it is imperative that we establish where these tablets have come from and who may be in possession of them before anyone else takes them.

"They pose a significant risk to people’s health and I would urge anyone who may have information about them to contact us immediately.”

The amnesty comes just a week before the Isle of Wight Festival, which will see tens of thousands of music lovers flock to the island from next Thurday.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation is urged to call 101, quoting reference '44170204475', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.