A father died after injecting heroin which had been contaminated with anthrax.

Thomas Forbes, 29, from Loughborough, who was said to be a long-term heroin user, died in hospital last Thursday.

Tests later showed traces of anthrax in his system.

Mr Forbes is the fourth person in England this year to die after injecting the class A drug with traces of the bacteria in it.

Health officials yesterday said it must be assumed that all heroin in Leicestershire carries the risk of anthrax contamination. They urged heroin users to stop taking the drug and to seek medical treatment.

Anthrax is a bacterial infection found in animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. It is commonly found in countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the bulk of the world's heroin is produced.

Health officials have stressed that contaminated heroin only poses a risk to users, and not to the wider public.

It is not known how the drug came to contain the bacteria.

Mr Forbes, whose son, Dylan, is five years old, was to become a father again in November.

His family, including parents Fred and Christine, said yesterday: "Thomas was a happy-go-lucky lad and always full of fun.

"He spent the majority of his time with his son and could not bear to be away from him for too long.

"Thomas had lots of friends. He always had time to enjoy their company and they all enjoyed his company and had plenty of time for him.

"He was full of character and continued to enjoy life with his family and friends to the end.

"Thomas was loved by all his family and friends and will be sadly missed. Dylan will always see him as a bright star in the sky and our memories of him will always be good."

Common symptoms of anthrax poisoning include redness or excessive swelling at or near an injected area, a high temperature, chills, severe headaches or breathing difficulties.

If untreated, the symptoms worsen causing blood poisoning, which can be fatal.

Tim Davies, deputy director of public health at NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland, said: "Early antibiotic treatment can be lifesaving."

He added: "While public health investigations are on-going, it must be assumed that all heroin in Leicestershire carries the risk of anthrax contamination.

"I urge all heroin users to be extremely alert to the risks and to seek urgent medical advice if they experience signs of infection."

There have been five confirmed cases in England of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user since December 2009. Four have died – the first in London in February.

Scotland has seen 47 confirmed cases of heroin users contracting anthrax poisoning in the past year. Of those, 13 have died while 34 were successfully treated with antibiotics.

Mike Haj, manager of Leicester Drug Advice Centre, said: "We've been issuing warnings about anthrax since the deaths in Scotland last year.

"Now there's been a confirmed fatality here in Leicestershire we will be doubling our efforts to ensure all the heroin users we come into contact with are fully aware of the risks."

Leicestershire police has launched an investigation into Mr Forbes' death.

A 45-year-old man from North Yorkshire has been arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.

Four Loughborough men – aged 24, 31, 35 and 37 – have been arrested and released on police bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Harrison said: "I would urge anyone who knows anything about Tom's death to contact us immediately. Any calls received will be treated in confidence."

Contact Leicestershire police on 0116 222 2222, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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