A 20-year-old man has died of a suspected drug overdose following two huge illegal raves in Greater Manchester,
police have confirmed.
Around 4,000 people are believed to have attended the gathering in Oldham on Saturday evening, with a separate event in Carrington also attracting 2,000 revellers despite
Coronavirus concerns.
Officers are also investigating three stabbings and reports of a rape connected to the two events on Saturday evening.
Video footage of the gatherings, which have been condemned by politicians and local leaders, shows thousands of people dancing together at one gathering.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, said: “We are aware of two large raves that took place in Carrington and Droylsden last night (Saturday June 13 2020).
“These raves were illegal and I condemn them taking place – they were clearly a breach of coronavirus legislation and guidelines, and have had tragic consequences.”the amount of people at the “illegal rave” in manchester is shocking, genuinely thought it was a parklife video on first glance pic.twitter.com/SjL4RSBSPj— Shaz 🤍 (@shans__x) June 13, 2020He added: “In Droylsden there are believed to have been around 4,000 people at the peak of the gathering.
“Whilst that’s a significant number, there were no reported incidents of further crime but sadly a 20-year-old man passed away from a suspected drug overdose following the gathering and we have specialist officers supporting his family at this time.”
Violence broke out at the Carrington gathering, with three separate stabbings reported over the course of the evening. actually can’t believe my eyes at this illegal rave in manchester !!! are people living in the same world right now ? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hbHd02hOps— tom (@tomdiggett) June 13, 2020One 18-year-old man is currently in hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Sykes added: “In Carrington there are believed to have been around 2,000 people at the peak of the gathering.
“Unfortunately there were a number of serious incidents at this gathering and after careful assessment, officers were deployed to the scene.
“There were three separate reported stabbings, including one where an 18-year-old man was left with life threatening injuries.
“Police officers managed to safely enter the crowds, locate the man and administer life-saving first aid before paramedics arrived.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the actions of those officers provided essential treatment to the man now in hospital and I would like to thank them for their efforts.”I’m at the field where the rave took place along with volunteers who have been here for hours. These are the scenes they were met with. @MENnewsdeskpic.twitter.com/Lbt4ZhA9VO— Helena Vesty (@HelenaVesty) June 14, 2020Two other men, aged 25 and 26, were also left with injuries after being assaulted. A 25-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and Greater Manchester Police enquiries remain ongoing to locate the suspects involved in these incidents.
Sykes called for anyone with footage to upload it to scd.cctv.gmp.police.uk to help them with ongoing inquiries.
Police are also investigating the rape of an 18-year old woman who attended the event, with specialist officers supporting both her and her family.
Sykes said: “We are also investigating the rape of an 18-year-old woman who attended this event and we have specialist officers supporting her and her family whilst enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact police as soon as possible.
“Sadly, officers attempting to engage with participants of this gathering were met with violence, resulting in items being thrown and a police car being vandalised.
“I want to make it clear that this is absolutely not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Our officers are working incredibly hard to keep people safe and should never be met with inexcusable violence whilst carrying out their duties.”“It’s like Glastonbury happened,” said another volunteer at Daisy Nook Country Park. The ‘Quarantine Rave’ sign can still be seen. @MENnewsdeskpic.twitter.com/m8tI2xyFtU— Helena Vesty (@HelenaVesty) June 14, 2020Deputy
Labour leader and MP for Ashton-under-Lyne Angela Rayner said she was working with the police and criticised the “irresponsible” people who had put themselves and their loved ones at risk by attending the rave.
She tweeted: “Those who attended put themselves and their loved ones at risk. [Completely] irresponsible. A lot of effort went into online events this weekend across GM.
“Those who attended should be ashamed of themselves. My local area now has to deal with the aftermath.”An update on last nights incident at Daisy Nook; I’m in touch with the police & both councils about last night &the clean up today.Lots of debris & broken glass in the surrounding areas. We need an improved response if we are unlucky enough to be in a similar situation in future.— 🌈 Angela Rayner 🌈 (@AngelaRayner) June 14, 2020Parklife and Warehouse Project boss, Sacha Lord, said the “selfish idiots” who had attended were “a disgrace”.If you are one of the morons who attended one of the illegal raves in Partington and Daisy Nook last night, you are a disgrace. You’ve now put yourselves, your friends, your families and loved ones at risk. I’ve seen some of the footage. You aren’t clubbers. Just selfish idiots.— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) June 14, 2020Around 70 volunteers helped to clear the laughing gas canisters, balloons and bags left in Daisy Nook Country Park on Sunday morning, including student Georgia Blakeney.
“The mess was atrocious,” the 21-year-old from Ashton-under-Lyne told the PA news agency.
“The people attending were my age group, I’m a uni student who can’t wait to go out with my
Friends again but I can’t believe people were so selfish to do it in such a way.
“I think it’s an insult to not only front line NHS workers and high-risk individuals but those who are suffering from the lockdown from things like economic damage and poor mental health, which will no doubt be extended if things like this happen.
“The people who attended today, risking their own lives reinstate a bit of hope into society – they were brilliant.”Related...
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