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Mutiny festival: two die after falling ill at music event in Portsmouth Mutiny festival cancelled over 'dangerous substance' as two die on site
(about 5 hours later)
An 18-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man have died after falling ill at the Mutiny festival in Portsmouth. A music festival in Portsmouth has been cancelled after an 18-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man died after falling ill on Saturday night.
The deaths are being seen as separate incidents and are not being treated as suspicious, however Hampshire police said inquiries were being made to determine the circumstances. The deaths at the Mutiny festival are being seen as separate incidents and are not being treated as suspicious, but Hampshire police said inquiries were being made to determine the circumstances.
Dizzee Rascal, Craig David and Sean Paul top the bill at the two-day event that ends on Sunday. Dizzee Rascal, Craig David and Sean Paul were due to top the bill at the two-day event. But on Sunday organisers issued a statement cancelling the event after warning of a “dangerous high strength or bad batch substance on site”.
Police were alerted when the woman fell ill at the site on Cosham at 7.10pm on Saturday, while the man was found collapsed at 7.30pm. The announcement, which organisers said was a “safety precaution”, prompted demands for refunds from disappointed customers on social media.
Police were first alerted when the woman fell ill at the site on Cosham at 7.10pm on Saturday, while the man was found collapsed at 7.30pm.
Both were taken to the Queen Alexandra hospital where they later died. Police said next-of-kin for both people been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.Both were taken to the Queen Alexandra hospital where they later died. Police said next-of-kin for both people been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
A statement posted on the festival’s Twitter feed said: “Mutiny Festivals are devastated to hear of the tragic loss of life from its festival family today. A statement posted on the music festival’s social media accounts said: “Mutiny Festivals are devastated to hear of the tragic loss of life from its festival family today.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this very difficult time and we will continue to work with the authorities to support them in any way possible.” It later added: “Following the terrible news from earlier today, the team behind Mutiny Festival are incredibly sad to announce that the Sunday of the festival has been cancelled as a safety precaution.
“The safety of our amazing customers has always been paramount to us and so to keep everyone safe and in respect to those who have passed, we have taken the decision not to open today.
“As you can imagine, this decision was not taken lightly and was taken with the support of the local statutory authorities who we continue to work with.”
The organisers also urged customers to “responsibly dispose” of any substances.
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
The force said next-of-kin for both the woman and the man had been informed and were being supported by specialist officers.
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