Leeds Festival death: 17-year-old boy dies after taking drugs

The boy was rushed to hospital after collapsing at the site in Bramham Park

The boy collapsed immediately after taking the drugs at Leeds Festival (Tracey Welch/Rex Features)

A 17-year-old has died after taking drugs at Leeds Festival.

West Yorkshire Police said they believe the teenager collapsed immediately after taking the drugs while at the site in Bramham Park near Wetherby.

Staff at the music festival called the emergency services at 4:45pm on Saturday after the boy became ill.

He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition where he later died.

Two other 17-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of drug offences and are currently in police custody.

Leeds Festival’s Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Keith Gilert said: "Our thoughts are naturally with the family of the young man at this time.

"They were made aware of the incident by officers as soon as possible and were assisted to attend the hospital as quickly as possible. We will continue to support them through this difficult time".

He urged festival goers to avoid taking drugs as they was "no safe way" to get high: "Taking any illegal drug carries a risk to health and we would always advise people against it, but I would ask that people are particularly conscious of the risks following this young man’s death.

"In partnership with the organisers, Festival Republic, we will continue to take action against those who risk the lives of others by supplying drugs."　

Leeds Festival, which takes place simultaneously with Reading Festival, is on its third day and will see acts like Biffy Clyro and Fall Out Boy playing on the main stage later today.