A TEENAGE boy may have died after having his drink spiked with drugs, locals claimed today.
Police named the 15-year-old, who died over the weekend, as Billy Darren Sillence of Tickhill Road in Maltby, Rotherham.
Billy, a pupil at Maltby Comprehensive School, was taken to hospital in the early hours of Sunday where he was pronounced dead.
A post-mortem examination held on Monday evening proved inconclusive and toxicology reports have now been requested.
But rumours circulating the local community suggest Billy's drink had been spiked with the potentially lethal substance ketamine - a mind-bending Class C drug.
Ketamine is used legally by vets as an animal tranquilliser, but is also used illegally as a recreational drug. High doses, especially with other drugs like alcohol, can slow down breathing and heart function and lead to unconsciousness.
The drug is a short-acting but powerful anaesthetic which causes a temporary loss of body sensation and has powerful hallucinogenic qualities. It is used by vets in liquid form, but sells illegally as a powder or a tablet.
A police spokeswoman confirmed Billy did not meet a violent death but refused to comment on the ketamine rumours.
Tributes were today paid to Billy by his friends and by his school.
Read tributes to Billy and leave your own message in our book of condolence, click hereDavid Sutton, headteacher of Maltby Comprehensive whose pupils are due back in school today, said: "The learning community at Maltby are shocked and saddened by this tragic news.
"The school recognises how difficult this time will be for family and friends and will endeavour to provide support for members of the extended family.
"Billy was a popular member of the school community who was making very good progress.
"At the end of Year 10 he sat his GCSE examinations in maths and science one year early. He passed both these qualifications and was planning to continue his studies in Year 11."
Flowers have been tied to the gate posts of Billy's home - which has a boarded-up front window, washing hanging on the line, and children's toys scattered on the lawn.
One message said: "Billy, thinking of you babe, I love you lots and you will always be in my heart babe".
Another, written on a photograph of Billy laughing, read: "RIP bro. Love you always."
An inquest into Billy's death is expected to be opened in Rotherham today.
One neighbour confirmed to The Star that local rumours were Billy's drink had been spiked with ketamine.
Emergency services were called to a property on Tickhill Road in the early hours of Sunday.
Six men and three women who were arrested and quizzed over the death have been released on bail.
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