The boss of Leeds Festival has spoken out following the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy.
West Yorkshire Police are investigating the death of the teenager at the festival. He died yesterday in hospital after he was taken ill at around 10.15pm on the Saturday night.
While the exact cause of the young boy’s death is not known, it is suspected to be related to drugs - in particular a type of MDMA which was being circulated.
Follow live updates as thousands leave Leeds Festival and clean-up begins
In a statement, managing director of Festival Republic Melvin Benn, said: “We are truly saddened about this tragedy and our sincerest thoughts are with the family at this time.
“We are working closely with West Yorkshire Police to assist with their investigation and take all reports of incidents where drug use is suspected seriously.
“The safety and wellbeing of all our festival goers is always our absolute priority and we remind all festival goers that there is no safe way to take prohibited drugs and there are no safe prohibited drugs.”
Police are continuing their investigation today and had already put out a public warning to young people ahead of the festival to not risk taking drugs.
Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson 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.
Today, thousands will be heading home from the three-day music festival, which closed with Yorkshire homegrown legends Arctic Monkeys.
Last night many revellers decided to pack up and head home early - only to find taxis fully booked. Many resorted to setting off on foot and hitch-hiking along the A64.
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