Neighbours have paid tribute to a Bollywood film worker and his ‘beautiful’ partner who died at their west London home after allegedly taking a mystery green pill.
The couple, who have not been named by police, were found unresponsive in their bedroom by their flatmates at their flat in Havelock Road, Southall, on bank holiday Monday.
Ambulances and police were called to the scene but they were unable to save them.
The pills were obtained while the couple were out clubbing in south London the day before, police believe.
Metro can reveal that the 28-year-old man was a driver for celebrities in the Bollywood film industry in London and is originally from India.
He and his partner, 20, were described as a ‘beautiful hard working couple’ by locals.
A father of three, who is a neighbour at the Southall flats where the couple rented, told Metro: ‘To me they were a clean-cut, hardworking couple who left early in the morning and were ambitious. They were a pleasure to be around.
‘He worked in the Indian film industry as part of the crew and was working his way up. He was from a good family and they couple had their whole lives ahead of them.
‘It’s a total shock – if something like this can happen to them it can happen to anyone. They were the perfect couple just enjoying life.’
He added: ‘It was horrific on the day they were found. I think they had been out with the flatmates the night before. They wondered why the couple had it got up the next day originally thinking they were just having a lay in. Then one went in their bedroom and found them.
‘The flatmates were in total shock. Loads of police ambulances came. One of the flatmates was vomiting, it was just terrible.
Warning signs of an overdose
- Blue or pale lips or fingertips
- Falling unconscious
- Very light, shallow breathing or no breathing
- Loud raspy ‘snoring’ or gurgling
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‘People need to be aware of what they are taking. I can say honestly this was not a hard-drinking, drug-taking couple. They were just enjoying London life and trying to get ahead.’
Another neighbour told Metro the cricket-loving couple were ‘just the nicest people you could meet’.
He said: ‘The guy drove Bollywood celebrities around and was on the crew, he had a bright future ahead of him. His partner was a beautiful, hard-working person.
‘We used to meet up with them in the garden. We watched some of the cricket World Cup together. They were great company and lived with three good friends. They were just great people. His parents came to stay at one point. Very nice people – they will be devastated.’
A Met Police statement said: ‘Police continue to make enquiries following the sudden deaths of a 28-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman in Ealing on Monday.
‘This is following reports that the individuals allegedly passed away after taking an illicit substance in the form of a green pill.
‘No arrests have been made at this time and we’re working closely with our partners, including the health service and councils, to issue advice to people in the area.’
Ealing Council have also raised the alarm over the mystery pills circulating.
It said : ‘Over the Bank Holiday weekend, two people were found dead in Southall, following attendance at a nightclub in South London on Saturday 24 May. They are thought to have consumed green pills with an ’80’ on one face and possibly an ‘OP’ on the other.
‘Please remember, there is no way of knowing what is in any pill or drug that is bought illegally, or how your body will react.
‘If you, or anyone you are with, starts to feel unwell after taking any pill or drug, go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department or call 999.
Authorities urge anyone in possession of unknown pills or powders to avoid taking them and to seek advice from harm reduction services.
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