‘Keep your loved ones closer than ever before’: Grieving mother warns families to ‘protect their children’ from drugs and gang culture after her son, 13, died of suspected overdose

A grieving mother has warned families to 'protect their children' from drugs and gang culture after her son died of a suspected overdose.

Mehmet Altun, 13, passed away in hospital after being admitted on Thursday evening having fallen ill in Bournemouth, Dorset. 

Although a post-mortem examination has not been carried out yet, police suspect the teenager died of a drug overdose.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of supplying a Class A drug and released under police investigation.

Mehmet's mother Aynur said her son was a 'pure soul' who would never hurt anyone and wanted to be a barber when he finished his education.

But she said there has been an ongoing issue of drug and gang culture in the coastal resort town and urged other parents to speak out if they witness anything worrying.

Mehmet Altun (pictured above), 13, died of a suspected drug overdose in hospital after being admitted on Thursday evening having fallen ill in Bournemouth, Dorset

Ms Altun said: 'Mehmet was always a pure soul. He treated everybody the way that he wanted to be treated; with respect and joy.

'Anyone that knew him personally, whether that may be family or friend, would say that Mehmet would never hurt a living being.

'He was scared of dogs and cats and would always be by my side, at home or outside.

'As a mother, I am reaching out to every parent to say that we must protect our children.

'Social media is so dangerous and action must be taken to ensure that the safety of our children is our number one priority. Police can only take the appropriate measures so much.

'As parents it is our duty to protect our children. Do not stay quiet when you witness things outside; if you see a young person that appears to be uncomfortable or worried, just approach and ask them.

'We have a tight community and instead of turning a blind eye on this ongoing issue, we must actively be aware and take the necessary actions for the sake of our children.'

The family has organised a peaceful protest in Bournemouth this weekend to highlight the issue of drugs in the community.

Floral tributes left outside a closed-up shop believed to be run by the Altun family. Aynur said her son was a 'pure soul' who would never hurt anyone

A sign on the shutters of the closed-up shop believed to be run by the Altun family, giving the dates of the closure, citing the reasoning being for family bereavement

Ms Altun added: 'People need to understand that all children are extremely vulnerable. No matter how you raise a child, whether you spoil them with love or have a strict relationship, children are easily impressionable by outsiders.

'They think that they are doing their family a favour by not being honest or open about the things they get up to, the people they associate with, and the areas they hang around in.

'I plead to all young people reading this, especially teenagers, to keep your family close. Do not distance yourself from them, your family are the only ones that will ever be able to protect you.

'Please do not seek fake happiness or satisfaction by trying to get access to drugs or being involved in dangerous behaviours. It will never be worth it.

Although a post-mortem examination has not been carried out yet, police suspect the teenager died of a drug overdose after being found on Columbia Road

'You may think you have it under control but no matter how careful you think you are, this culture is not the answer or solution to any of your problems. Seek support from your family, they are the only ones to be right next to you.'

She continued: 'I have lost my only son, I will never be able to see him finish school, move out, have his own children, build his career.

'I will not be able to see him blossom into an adult, with the brightest future ahead of him. No parent should have this taken away from them.

'Let this be a warning, a sign, a reminder, to keep your loved ones closer than ever before. I would never wish this upon anyone.

'Let us prevent another young life lost by not just acknowledging, but also taking the initiative to help and protect.'