A TEENAGE boy is in intensive care after taking a suspected Mortal Kombat ecstasy pill.

The 16-year-old was rushed to Monklands District General Hosp-ital in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, after becoming ill at a party on Saturday night.

Tests are also being carried out on a 17-year-old boy who was at the same house party.

They were both taken to hospital at 11.30pm after apparently taking the drugs at a house in Coatbridge.

Detectives and health bosses have issued fresh warnings over the dangers of the drug.

The red dragon-stamped pill has been linked to the death of 17-year-old Regane Mac-Coll, from Duntocher, West Dunbartonshire.

Regane died in the early hours of February 2 after being out at Glasgow nightclub The Arches.

Detective Chief Insp-ector Paul Livingstone, from Coatbridge CID, said: "The two youths aged 16 and 17 remain in hospital after taking illegal drugs, including what is believed to be ecstasy, possibly a red 'Mortal Kombat' tablet.

"We are continuing to work with our partner agencies including health officials and medical staff in connection with this investigation.

"Our priority is to ensure that everyone who was at the house party is safe and well and officers are carrying out extensive inquiries to trace everyone involved.

"I would again strongly advise people to avoid illicit drugs as their content is unknown and can be dangerous chemicals."

Dr Neil Howie, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in emergency medicine said anyone who had taken the drug and felt unwell should seek medical help.

He added: "We cannot stress highly enough that anyone who takes an illicit drug is putting their health, and indeed their life, in jeopardy."

rachel.loxton@ eveningtimes.co.uk