A 17-year-old girl, Emily Stokes, has tragically died of a suspected MDMA overdose, and 21 other teenagers were hospitalized with drug-related symptoms following a drum and bass festival at Dreamland amusement park in Margate, Kent.
Major Incident Declared
The festival, which took place on June 29, has prompted a licensing review by Kent Police. The event, known as Worried About Henry, saw thousands of attendees, including many under the age of 18. The police declared a major incident after multiple young people, the youngest being 15, were taken to hospital due to suspected drug overdoses.
Tragic Death
Emily Stokes was among those taken to hospital. She was declared dead later in the day from what is believed to be an MDMA overdose. Emily’s sister, Megan Stokes, described her as the “kindest person you could ever meet” and “so full of life” in a crowdfunding appeal to honour her memory.
Police and Emergency Response
Kent Police detailed the series of events in an application to Thanet District Council’s licensing sub-committee. The over-16s event had sold 6,300 tickets in advance, with an additional 700 tickets sold at the door. Early in the afternoon, officers became aware of three people being taken to hospital from the venue with suspected drug overdoses.
A significant escalation occurred at 5pm when a man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply illegal drugs. At 6pm, another ambulance was called for a 17-year-old boy experiencing severe drug side effects. By 7pm, the police had declared a major incident, with 11 individuals under the age of 18 hospitalized, the youngest being 15.
Venue and Licensing Review
Dreamland Amusement Park faces a licensing review following the incident. Interim measures, including the cancellation of all drum and bass events and other high-risk events associated with class A and B drug use by those under 18, have been implemented. Increased security staff, zero-tolerance signage, and a policy requiring under-18s to be accompanied by adults over 25 years old are also part of the measures.
Ongoing Investigation
A spokesperson for Dreamland expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the young woman’s family and friends, and we will continue to work closely with Kent Police as they investigate this tragedy further.
One individual remains in a medically-induced coma as a result of the events on June 29. The police investigation is ongoing, and the application for the licensing review was deemed necessary by the licensing sub-committee on July 9.
Public Safety Measures
The police report noted the challenging decision to allow the event to continue despite the incidents, citing the need to identify and support any further casualties. The review aims to ensure such tragedies are not repeated and to maintain public confidence in event safety measure
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