Investigation launched into festival death

POLICE have launched an investigation after a man was found dead in his tent at GlobalGathering.

The 24-year-old was discovered unconscious at the dance music festival at Long Marston Airfield on Saturday afternoon (July 28). Paramedics attempted to revive him but he was declared dead at 4.40pm.

Police are treating the death as "unexplained". A post mortem failed to establish the cause of death, and further tests will now be carried out to help the coroner determine the cause of death.

A spokeswoman for the festival organisers said: “Everybody at GlobalGathering is deeply saddened by this tragic loss of life. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends at this time. We are assisting Warwickshire Police with their ongoing investigation.”

It is not known if drugs played any part in the yet to be named man's death.

Revellers had been warned ahead of the two day festival, which kicked-off on Friday (July 27), they would be refused entry if found with legal high drugs, and arrested if carrying illegal drugs.

Police were particularly concerned about Dr Death pills - which contain the controlled Class A substance paramethoxyamphetamine, or PMA - after the drug was found in one of the amnesty bins near the entrance.

The substance, referred to as a “legal high”, can be fatal, especially if mixed with alcohol.

Police and organisers distributed posters throughout the site, tweeted information and used electronic display boards to warn festival-goers of the dangers.

More than 550 people were searched by police on suspicion of drugs related offences, with 180 found in possession. Police issued 139 cautions - which although not requiring a court appearance are still registered as a criminal offence. A further 34 people received warnings for possession of drugs.

Two people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Drug-related crime was however down on previous years.

Supt Martin Samuel, one of the officers in charge of the policing operation, said: “People seemed to be taking advantage of the amnesty bins which were located at the entrances, before the search area.

"GlobalGathering is like having a small town in place for three days. There was some crime, but this was less than in previous years."

Other crimes reported included 12 vehicle-related crimes, 87 thefts, from mobile phones and wallets to two actual entire tents. Police are also investigating one report of sexual assault against a woman.

The festival brought traffic congestion to Stratford on Friday with tailbacks through the town, onto the A46 and even the M40. Police said it was mostly the result of drivers using sat navs to travel to Long Marston, rather than following the route signs for GlobalGathering, which would have taken them around Stratford rather than through it.

The festival attracted some 40,000 music fans to see acts including Tinie Tempah, Chase & Status and Skrillex.

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