Boy of three improving after 'ecstasy'

A three-year-old boy was recovering in hospital today after taking what is thought to have been Ecstasy.

The child was found in a ‘‘limp’’ condition at an address in Elizabeth Avenue, Islington, north London, on Tuesday, police said.

It is believed he may have mistaken an Ecstasy tablet for a sweet.

Yesterday he was said to be conscious and in a stable and improving condition in hospital.

Emergency services arrived at the home and fought to revive the child before taking him to hospital by ambulance.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘‘The child’s condition, which was initially critical, has stabilised.

‘‘A man was arrested at the address and taken to Islington police station, from where he was bailed pending further inquiries to return on September 4.

‘‘We can confirm that a substance was removed from the address and is being analysed.

‘‘We are told the child’s condition is now improving.’’

It is understood that early indications show the substance was Ecstasy.

The man arrested is believed to be the boy’s father.

Jade Slack, 10, from Galgate, Lancashire, died earlier this month after taking Ecstasy, becoming Britain’s youngest victim of the drug.

Neighbours of the North London family yesterday said they were shocked at the news.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said she was good friends with the mother of the boy.

The boy, known to her as Brandon, was believed to be one of five children living in the two-storey end of terrace house.

‘‘It is so shocking. I did not know what happened until today,’’ she said.

‘‘I did not see the ambulance yesterday and everybody keeps saying different things.

‘‘I have not seen her (the mother) so I don’t know what happened.

‘‘They are a very nice family. They are good kids and good parents.’’

No one at the family home was available for comment.

A family friend, who lives nearby, told reporters that the little boy was ‘‘doing fine’’ and could be released soon.

She said the boy’s family had been at his bedside all day but she would not give the name of the hospital.

It is believed the boy had initially been taken to the Whittington Hospital in north London, but was later transferred to another hospital.