A 16-year-old boy has tragically died at Leeds Festival after taking a suspected drug overdose.
West Yorkshire Police announced they were investigating after they were called out yesterday (Saturday, August 27) to reports the boy had been taken ill around 10.16pm. He was taken from the medical tent to hospital but sadly died today (Sunday).
The exact cause of death is yet to be established, but police said it is suspected it was drugs related, and may be to do with a particular type of MDMA that was being circulated. The boy's parents have been informed.
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Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the boy who has died, and we have officers supporting them at this very difficult time.
“While the exact cause of his death is yet to be established, one line of enquiry is that he had taken a particular type of ecstasy (MDMA) tablet, which was described as a grey or black oblong shape.
“At this moment in time this is believed to be an isolated incident as we have not received any similar reports.
“Users of any drug which is not professionally prescribed can never be sure of their contents and the risks involved with taking the substance.
“Anyone who does feel ill after taking any substance should seek urgent medical attention."
“We are continuing to conduct enquiries on site and are liaising closely with the event organisers.”
Anyone with any information about what happened is encouraged to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101, via their security on site, or by using Live Chat on their website.
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