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Steroids blamed for youth's death Steroids blamed for youth's death
(about 2 hours later)
A course of muscle-building drugs is being blamed for the death of a 17-year-old youth.A course of muscle-building drugs is being blamed for the death of a 17-year-old youth.
Matthew Dear, of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, died at Southend University Hospital early on Monday.Matthew Dear, of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, died at Southend University Hospital early on Monday.
Police said he had been undergoing treatment since 13 April and it was thought he had become seriously ill after taking anabolic steroids.Police said he had been undergoing treatment since 13 April and it was thought he had become seriously ill after taking anabolic steroids.
Three people have been arrested over the death. They have all been released on police bail until 23 June.Three people have been arrested over the death. They have all been released on police bail until 23 June.
A 17-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man, from Westcliff-on-Sea, and a 24-year-old man from Leigh-on-Sea were arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled substance.A 17-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man, from Westcliff-on-Sea, and a 24-year-old man from Leigh-on-Sea were arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled substance.
'Awaiting results''Awaiting results'
A post-mortem examination was due to be carried out.A post-mortem examination was due to be carried out.
Matthew's parents Chris and Tina Dear took the decision to release a picture of their son on his deathbed to highlight the dangers of illegal body building drugs.Matthew's parents Chris and Tina Dear took the decision to release a picture of their son on his deathbed to highlight the dangers of illegal body building drugs.
Mr and Mrs Dear pleaded for others not to be tempted to take the drugs.
"Don't chance it," said Mr Dear. "You never know what you are actually taking."
Police said tests were being carried out to establish what tablets the teenager had taken and a pathologist would examine the teenager's body.Police said tests were being carried out to establish what tablets the teenager had taken and a pathologist would examine the teenager's body.
Det Insp Jim Sandford, who is leading the inquiry, added: "We are investigating the cause of death and waiting for the results of various tests including tests being carried out on the type of tablets that were taken."Det Insp Jim Sandford, who is leading the inquiry, added: "We are investigating the cause of death and waiting for the results of various tests including tests being carried out on the type of tablets that were taken."
Anabolic steroids are usually synthesised from the male reproduction hormone testosterone.Anabolic steroids are usually synthesised from the male reproduction hormone testosterone.
They reduce fatigue and recovery time and promote the development of muscle tissue by stimulating protein.They reduce fatigue and recovery time and promote the development of muscle tissue by stimulating protein.
The drugs are banned by many sporting bodies because they create a health risk and can give athletes a competitive advantage.The drugs are banned by many sporting bodies because they create a health risk and can give athletes a competitive advantage.