A 27-year-old man has been quizzed by detectives investigating the death of a Bournemouth student from a suspected drug overdose.

We reported yesterday how Melissa Andrews was rushed to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital from her Southbourne flat on September 26. She never recovered and her death was confirmed on October 11, just six days after her 19th birthday.

Police have revealed that a local man was arrested and released on bail while enquiries into the Bournemouth and Poole College student's death continue.

Initial tests have been unable to ascertain the cause of death but her father, Brett Andrews, believes heroin was responsible.

Just three days before Melissa became another Bournemouth drug statistic, Stephen Gosnell, 35, was found dead on a Boscombe pavement from a suspected overdose.

Police are investigating allegations that his "companions" dumped him after he died in a nearby property.

Like Melissa's devastated family, Mr Gosnell's grieving relatives are still awaiting toxicology test results.

Perhaps the cruellest twist to his story is that he hoped to become a counsellor and help other addicts.

His sister Jackie Ives, 49, told the Echo how her "loveable and likeable little brother" had dreamed of working as a drugs counsellor.

She said: "He never gave up the fight to be clean of drugs. As a child he was a well-adjusted, highly sociable boy but things have been harder since drugs became a problem in his life. He did everything he could to come off them."

There have been 29 drug-related deaths in Bournemouth this year.

Bournemouth Drug and Alcohol Action Team co-ordinator David Hosie said: "The best way to avoid causing harm to yourself is by choosing not to take drugs.

"If you have a drug problem there are a comprehensive range of treatment and support services available in Bournemouth.

"If you choose to use drugs then the very least you can do is to reduce the risks by not injecting. If you have to inject then take advice about safer injecting.

"Never use more than one drug - most overdoses feature alcohol and opiates. Remember that if you have a break from using, your tolerance will be lower so adjust the drug accordingly.

"Never use alone. Do not inject again if you have a missed or dirty hit and never top up on a methadone prescription."

Steve Spiegel, founder of the Providence Project, one of three Boscombe-based addiction treatment centres, said: "This recent spate of suspected drug deaths is a concern. Part of the problem is that people are not getting the treatment choices they want - it's is all down to funding."

He added: "Our experience is that the number of people with drug problems is going up, with more people knocking on our door for help. We've been here 11 years and never had a longer waiting list.

"We're always full, treating 60 addicts at one time, with programmes lasting 24 weeks. Heroin is the local drug of choice, as well as crack cocaine."

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said: "I'm sure many parents are blissfully unaware of the prevalence of drug-taking among teenagers and have read Melissa Andrews' story with horror.

"What worries me most is the increasing number of people seeking solace in drugs; either for momentary entertainment or to escape the pressures of life. They need to be aware that drugs are not the answer - they can indeed kill.

"While more efforts in schools and through family pressure can influence youngsters, we need to do more as a society to increase the stigma attached to drug taking, as well as dwell on the dangers."