West Yorkshire Police launched an investigation into the teenager’s death to establish whether he had taken an ecstasy tablet at the music festival which took place in Bramham Park at the weekend. Officers were called at around 10.16pm on Saturday night after the boy, who has not yet been publicly identified by police, fell ill and was rushed to hospital, where he sadly died on Sunday. The teenager’s parents have been notified, police said. The force said it was looking into whether the boy had taken a specific type of MDMA. Officers believe this is an isolated incident. Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the boy who died and we have officers supporting them at this very difficult time. “While the exact cause of his death is yet to be ascertained, one line of inquiry is that he had taken a certain type of ecstasy tablet (MDMA), which was described as a gray or black oblong shape. “At this time it is believed to be an isolated incident as we have not received similar reports. “Users of any drug not prescribed by professionals can never be sure of its contents and the risks involved in taking the substance. “Anyone who feels ill after taking any substance should seek emergency medical attention.” “We are continuing to carry out on-site inquiries and are in close contact with the organizers of the event.” Melvin Benn, chief executive of Festival Republic, which organizes the event, said he was “truly saddened by this tragedy”. He said organizers were working with police to assist their investigation and all reports of incidents where drug use was suspected were taken seriously. “The safety and well-being of all festival goers is always our utmost priority and we remind all festival goers that there is no safe way to take illicit drugs and there are no safe illicit drugs,” he added. Saturday’s Leeds headliners included rapper Dave, Little Simz and Megan Thee Stallion. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or security on site, call 101 or visit the West Yorkshire Police website.
