Two clubbers are in hospital after taking the drug Ecstasy.

The two men, aged 23 and 18, became seriously ill at the nightclub Fabric, in Charterhouse Street, Farringdon, in the early hours of this morning. Police said the 23-year-old is in a critical condition, while the 18-year-old is stable.

Det Supt Adrian Usher, of Islington Police, issued a strong warning to drug users that a “potentially fatal” batch of the stimulant, also known as MDMA, is being sold.

He said: “Over this last weekend we have had two incidents at this nightclub where two people are in a critical condition in hospital.

“We know they had taken Ecstasy and that this batch of drugs could be available in other locations across London.

“Users need to be aware that a potentially fatal batch of Ecstasy is out there and understand the devastating effect it can have on their health. Drug dealers are only interested in making money so users can never be really sure what they are taking.

“I strongly advise people to be cautious and if they have purchased any Ecstasy recently to destroy it.”

A spokesman for Fabric said: “Fabric has always adopted a zero tolerance drug policy. This weekend’s events are the subject of a police investigation and Fabric is, as always, co-operating with Islington police. We’ll be adapting our security measures and increasing our already vigilant door searches, working alongside the police to alert customers to today’s statement, with clear and present signage, this coming weekend.

“Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of those affected.”

Please call Islington Police on 020 7421 0196 if you have any information that could help their investigation.