Girl dies amid Leeds Festival drugs warning

A 17-YEAR-old girl has died of a suspected drugs overdose at Leeds Festival. Police were called to the music event in Bramham Park following a report that the girl, who is from the Oldham area of Manchester, had died shortly after 3.40am yesterday.

Although the cause of her death has not yet been established, officers believe she may have taken a mixture of illegal drugs.

West Yorkshire Police issued a warning about taking and mixing drugs. A Twitter account connected to those policing the festival had earlier warned how some drugs being sold at the site were three times the normal adult strength.

It listed the “named substances” as Donkey Kong, Trump and Skype pills, adding that they are “very dangerous” and had been “found in circulation on site”.

Officers have arrested a 17-year-old boy, also from the Oldham area, on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs. He remains in custody.

Supt Matt Davison, Leeds Festival’s police commander, said: “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.”

Melvin Benn, of organisers Festival Republic, said: “To say we are deeply saddened about this tragedy is an understatement. West Yorkshire Police have taken action against those that may have supplied the drugs, and we will continue to work with them as usual.”

The organisers have stated they do not condone drug abuse on the site.