A TEENAGE student who collapsed at a Bournemouth music venue died of an Ecstasy overdose, an inquest heard yesterday.

India Renuka Thaker, aged 18, of Thatcham, Berkshire, was rushed to accident and emergency on March 31 after collapsing and falling into unconsciousness at the O2 Academy, Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

It is understood she had been on a night out with friends at the time.

On Friday, at Dorset Coroner's Court, Bournemouth, assistant coroner Brendan Allen opened and adjourned an inquest into the death of Miss Thaker.

Giving evidence at the short hearing, Dorset coroner's officer Ken McEwan said: "At 4.26am on March 31 police were called by ambulance reporting an 18-year-old girl was in cardiac arrest at the O2 Academy.

"India had collapsed while dancing and had become unconscious.

"Staff called the ambulance and started CPR."

The ambulance crew arrived approximately five minutes later and India was transferred to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where she later died.

The inquest hearing at Bournemouth Town Hall was also told that Dorset Police, who investigated Miss Thaker's death, have since confirmed there appears to be no third party involvement.

Following a post mortem examination, conducted at Bournemouth's Holly Tree Lodge Mortuary on April 3, the cause of death was given as an MDMA overdose.

Mr Allen adjourned Friday's hearing for a full inquest, scheduled to take place on August 22 this year.

MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, is a Class A drug, which means it is illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.

The drug education service FRANK, which was jointly-established by the Department of Health and the Home Office in 2003, says one of the main dangers of Ecstasy pills is their unpredictable strength.