17 year old girl from Oldham dies in suspected drug-related incident at Leeds Festival

Police have arrested a 17 year old male from Oldham over the death of the teenager who's also from the town

Leeds Festival
Author: Richard MuriePublished 24th Aug 2019
Last updated 24th Aug 2019

A 17 year old girl's died at Leeds Festival after a suspected drug-related incident in the early hours today (Saturday 24th August).

Police at the Bramham Park site were called around 3.30am.

It's believe the teenager, from Oldham, died from an overdose.

A 17 year old male, also from Oldham, has been arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.

Leeds Festival’s Police Commander, Superintendent Matt Davison said, "Our thoughts are with the family of the girl who has died. We have family liaison officers in place supporting them and they have asked that their privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.

"While the exact cause of her death is yet to be established, the information we have indicates that she has taken a combination of drugs. This is a tragic incident and I hope serves as a timely reminder to others of the risk of taking illegal substances, particularly when mixing different types of drugs and drinking alcohol.

"If anyone has any concerns for either themselves or others at the festival, I would urge them to contact staff on-site or seek urgent medical assistance."

Melvin Benn, from organisers Festival Republic said, "To say we are deeply saddened about this tragedy, is an understatement.

"At this point, we implore the media to respect the family’s wishes of privacy at this devastating time. The West Yorkshire Police have taken action against those that may have supplied the drugs, and we will continue to work with them as usual.

"I would like to take this opportunity to remind anyone attending Reading and Leeds Festival that there is no safe way to take prohibited drugs and there are no safe prohibited drugs."