A man has died and four others are in hospital following suspected substance abuse at the Kendal Calling music festival in Cumbria.
Police were called by staff at Cumberland infirmary just before 7am on Friday after the man was admitted in a critical condition. He was later pronounced dead.
A 29-year-old woman from Bolton is in a critical but stable condition, while three men are described as being in a serious but stable condition. Police believe they took green tablets with an Adidas logo on them.
A number of people have been taken ill at Kendal Calling, believed to have taken green tablets with the Adidas logo on them, please be aware
— GMP City Centre (@GMPCityCentre) July 31, 2015
A 20-year-old man from Manchester has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. He is currently being detained for questioning.
A spokeswoman for Cumbria police said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with an incident where five people have taken ill following believed substance abuse at the Kendal Calling festival.
“An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding his [the man’s] death. Police are supporting the deceased’s family at this time.”
The four-day festival at Lowther Deer Park in the Lake District is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, with acts including Snoop Dogg, Elbow and Kaiser Chiefs.
A message from the festival’s Twitter account read: “There have been serious drug related casualties requiring hospital treatment. Please take extra care – illegal drugs have unknown contents.”
There have been serious drug related casualties requiring hospital treatment. Please take extra care - illegal drugs have unknown contents
— Kendal Calling (@KendalCalling) July 31, 2015
Get to know your campsite security team, store their number and call them if you see any suspicious / antisocial behaviour!
— Kendal Calling (@KendalCalling) July 31, 2015
Anyone with information about the incident can contact Cumbria police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Earlier this month, a 36-year-old man died at Scotland’s T in the Park festival. His death was treated as unexplained.
