7 Feb 2014

Over 100 take ill during Belfast Odyssey rave

Police launch an investigation into a mass underage drinking binge that saw more than 100 young people treated by medics in Belfast, and 18 taken to hospital.

Around 10,000 people were attending a rave by a Dutch DJ in the city centre. But the event took a turn for the worse when young people started to become ill.

Over 100 people were treated by medics – 40 outside, and 68 inside the arena – and 18 were taken to hospital. No-one was seriously injured, and the symptoms are thought to have been a result of drink and drugs.

Police said around 300 young people were refused entry to the premises – some of whom were drunk and others too young to gain entry to the 16-and-over gig by DJ Hardwell.

Somewhere someone gave these kids alcohol I think it’s time to call an end to it… I think the Assembly need to get involved – Pubs of Ulster

The situation outside the building swiftly deteriorated, with medics, ambulance crews and charity volunteers providing first aid. There were reports of a number of fights breaking out and widespread drug taking.

Underage drinking

Some drugs were recovered outside the venue, and police are investigating how so many underage teens were able to access alcohol.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Inspector Mark McEwan said: “Police are meeting with Odyssey Arena to review the incident and will be conducting an investigation. CCTV will form part of that process.”

He added: “Police would encourage parents, that may be considering allowing their child to attend an event where there is an age restriction, to ensure that the child is the appropriate age.”

Three people were arrested during the course of the night – a man aged 21 was detained for disorderly behaviour, another aged 18 was arrested for assault and resisting police arrest, and a 16-year-old woman was arrested for assault and resisting arrest. They remained in custody at a city centre police station today.

‘Buckets of vomit’

Charity worker Joe Hyland, who runs the SOS Bus NI voluntary service, told the BBC: “I was dealing with kids with buckets of vomit and they were crying – it was a mess.”

The incident has led to calls for Northern Ireland’s assembly to take action on underage drinking. Colin Neill, chief executive of Pubs of Ulster which represents local bar owners, said: “Somewhere someone gave these kids alcohol I think it’s time to call an end to it.

“I think we need more than a police investigation, I think the Assembly need to get involved.”

A major incident was declared by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and in the city’s hospitals, where extra staff were called in to help.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: “We believe the majority arrived suffering from too much alcohol.”

He added a number of people were unconscious at the scene.

Three of the teenagers admitted to hospital were subsequently discharged with the remainder expected to leave later on Friday.