Police issue drug alert as teenagers die at T in Park

Police are investigating whether the deaths of two teenagers at Scotland's largest music festival are drug-related.
Police are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman at T in the Park. Picture: SWNSPolice are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman at T in the Park. Picture: SWNS
Police are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman at T in the Park. Picture: SWNS

A 17-year-old male from the west of Scotland and a 17-year-old female from the north of England died in non-suspicious circumstances at T in the Park.

More than 80,000 music fans are expected over the weekend for the three-day event, which moved from Balado to Strathallan Castle in Perthshire last year.

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Chief Superintendent Angela McLaren said: “We are continuing to investigate these deaths and are following lines of inquiry, including the possibility that they may be drug-related.

Revellers arrive earlier today for T in the Park in Strathallan, Perthshire. Picture: SWNSRevellers arrive earlier today for T in the Park in Strathallan, Perthshire. Picture: SWNS
Revellers arrive earlier today for T in the Park in Strathallan, Perthshire. Picture: SWNS

“I would remind all persons attending the festival that there is no safe way of taking drugs. Anyone who has any concerns for themselves or others at the festival should contact festival staff, police officers or medics for assistance.”

Drug safety messages were displayed across the site yesterday and amnesty bins were there to allow festival-goers to dispose of illegal substances.

Festival director Geoff Ellis said: “We are shocked and saddened by today’s news. We are offering our full support and assistance.”

Campers began arriving on Thursday for the event, which will see Scottish DJ Calvin Harris headline tonight.

Revellers arrive earlier today for T in the Park in Strathallan, Perthshire. Picture: SWNSRevellers arrive earlier today for T in the Park in Strathallan, Perthshire. Picture: SWNS
Revellers arrive earlier today for T in the Park in Strathallan, Perthshire. Picture: SWNS

But within hours of the gates opening, police were investigating a mass brawl. And footage appeared on social media sites yesterday apparently showing young people taking drugs in the festival campsite.

The festival was hit with a series of difficulties after moving to its new home last year and there was controversy after the Scottish Government awarded organisers £150,000.

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Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “This is tragic news and I am sure I echo the sentiments of everyone when we send condolences to the families involved and, indeed, to the organisers of T in the Park who have worked hard this year to overcome last year’s concerns about public safety.

“Clearly, an investigation has to take place and I hope this will be undertaken as quickly as possible. It is essential police establish exactly what happened and why.”

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