A 17-year-old boy has died after taking drugs at Leeds Festival, prompting police to renew warnings that there is “no safe way to take drugs”.
West Yorkshire Police said it was contacted by festival staff around 4.45pm on Saturday after the teenager was taken to St James’ Hospital by ambulance in a critical condition.
The boy, who was from the Greater Manchester area, underwent emergency treatment in hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.
Police said it is believed the boy “consumed drugs immediately before he collapsed”.
Leeds Festival’s Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Keith Gilert said the teenager’s family were made aware of the incident as soon as police were notified and then “assisted” to the hospital.
Gilert said: “Our thoughts are naturally with the family of the young man at this time.”
He said police are investigating how the teenager obtained the “substance he took”, which police have not specified.
Two males, aged 17, were arrested in the Greater Manchester area on suspicion of drugs offences and are currently in custody.
Gilert added: “I would though like to take this opportunity to remind anyone attending the Festival that there is no safe way to take drugs.
“Taking any illegal drug carries a risk to health and we would always advise people against it, but I would ask that people are particularly conscious of the risks following this young man’s death. In partnership with the organisers, Festival Republic, we will continue to take action against those who risk the lives of others by supplying drugs.
“Anyone who has any concerns for either themselves or others at the Festival should contact Festival site or security staff or seek medical assistance.”