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.”
He 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.
One 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.”
Two 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.”
Deputy 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.”
Parklife and Warehouse Project boss, Sacha Lord, said the “selfish idiots” who had attended were “a disgrace”.
Around 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.”