A ROGUE batch of heroin may have caused the death of Big Brother star Jade Goody's father, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Andrew Goody's body was discovered at a Bournemouth fast-food restaurant on Sunday, August 21, following a suspected drug overdose.

The coroner has been informed and a post-mortem examination will be carried out today. The 42-year-old's inquest is likely to open on Friday, August 26.

Emergency services were called to the KFC in Holdenhurst Road after Mr Goody, who lived in Bournemouth, was found collapsed in the gents' toilets just before 3pm.

A shocked male member of staff raised the alarm after discovering Mr Goody's body. His death was confirmed at the scene.

A police spokesman confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances and a spokesman for the franchisee which runs KFC The Landsdowne said: "We were shocked to learn of this incident and are assisting the police with their enquiries. Our thoughts are with Mr Goody's family and friends."

An Echo source said: "Recent drugs raids in Bournemouth have driven a lot of local dealers to Southampton. There is a rogue batch of heroin circulating and Mr Goody could be just the first fatality."

Drug and alcohol support worker Marian Watton said: "We've had calls from clients saying there is a rogue batch on the streets. One mentioned contamination but I think it is a particularly pure batch. It's usually an inexperienced person selling it, someone who isn't aware that it can be cut down."

Earlier this month 20 people suspected of fuelling the town's heroin and crack cocaine industry were arrested in Operation Dismantle.

Jade, 24, who has a two-year-old son, Bobby, and 10-month-old son, Freddie, disowned her father because of his habit.

She once said: "I don't take drugs, none of our friends take drugs. Why would I bring my father into Bobby's life when he could be a bad influence?"

According to his family, he had been hooked on heroin for years and overdosed at least 15 times.

Mr Goody served four years for armed robbery and Jade had an emotional reunion with him in prison. He vowed to go straight after more than 50 convictions but, within months, was back behind bars after being caught with crack cocaine.

Last autumn Mr Goody was admitted to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital after a suspected drug overdose. He was put on a life support machine after a kidney failed.

Jade's friends, who are comforting her at her £400,000 Essex home, say she is devastated.

Last November Bournemouth addicts were warned they were dicing with death after a rogue batch of heroin was thought to have claimed the lives of two men and left at least eight users unconscious for days.

Police said a spate of overdoses, centred in Boscombe, could have been caused by dangerously contaminated drugs.

DI Kevin Connolly said: "Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs on the streets."

First published: August 24, 2005