Test conducted on a heroin user suspected of having anthrax have proved negative. The patient admitted to Carlisle's Cumberland Infirmary on Christmas had skin lesions which is a symptom of anthrax.

Anthrax is mostly found in cattle with hoofs and it is an acute bacterial infection. Humans are infected after inhaling or ingesting spores from the bacillus anthracis bacterium.

Anthrax has already claimed two injecting drug users’ lives in Glasgow and it is feared that drug’s contaminated batches are in circulation now which is a cause of worry.

NHS Cumbria’s spokesman said tests conducted initially on the patient could not establish the presence of the disease.

Dr John Ashton, director of public health at NHS Cumbria, said, "This is encouraging news but injecting drug users in Cumbria should not let their guard down and anyone who injects drugs and experiences any unusual symptoms such as swelling or pain at the injection site should seek medical help immediately as anthrax can be lethal."

Detectives have urged anyone with information about drug dealing in Cumbria to call at 0845 3300247 and Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.