T in the Park: Festival-goers urged to dump drugs after two teenagers die

Warning: Fans watch The Stone Roses on the main stage at T in the Park
Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Mark Chandler9 July 2016

T in the Park revellers have been urged to dump their drugs in special amnesty bins set up at the site after two teenagers died.

Bosses at the music festival said anyone ditching the banned substances in the dedicated zones will not get into trouble.

The move follows the deaths of two teenagers at this year's event.

The male and female festival-goers - both aged 17 and who have not been formally named by the authorities - died as Scotland's biggest music event got under way at Strathallan Castle in Perthshire.

They have been named locally as Peter MacCallum from Lochgilphead, Argyll, and Megan Bell from the north of England.

Police Scotland said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths. Officers are looking at the possibility that they were drug-related.

A tweet issued by festival organisers said: "Dump your drugs. Amnesty bins are now in the campsite at welfare. Bin them and you won't be in any trouble.

"Look after each other. If you or your friends feel unwell, get help right away from any festival staff.

"There's no safe way to take drugs. Don't take the risk."

Festival director Geoff Ellis said they are doing all they can to help police with their investigation.

"We remain focused on delivering a safe, enjoyable event for the rest of the fans onsite and we thank them for their positive attitude," he said in a statement.

Tributes have been paid online to the teenagers.

Ruth Bond wrote on Twitter: "Absolutely wiped, poor girl taken far too soon. RIP Megan, hearts go out to her family and friends xxx."

Callum Talbot said Megan was "such a lovely lass and gone too soon".

Ellena Davies wrote: "RIP to one of my longest friends Peter MacCallum, so heartbreaking to witness something so horrible."

Officers have warned people against taking illegal substances.

Chief Superintendent Angela McLaren said: "We are continuing to investigate these deaths and are following lines of inquiry, including the possibility that they may be drug-related. I would remind all persons attending the festival that there is no safe way of taking drugs.

"Anyone who has any concerns for themselves or others at the festival should contact festival staff, police officers or medics for assistance."

Meanwhile, police have appealed for information after a cash machine was stolen from the festival's main arena sometime between midnight on Thursday and 7am on Friday.

The ATM contained a "significant" amount of cash, officers said, as they asked any witnesses to come forward.

More than 80,000 revellers are expected over the weekend, with a line-up which includes Calvin Harris and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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