The 17-year-old girl died in hospital after ‘becoming unwell’ at Emerge Festival in Belfast – police say they have launched an investigation into the ‘tragic sudden death’
Police have confirmed an investigation has been launched after a teenage girl died at a popular music festival.
Officers confirmed yesterday that the 17-year-old died in hospital after “becoming unwell” at the Emerge Festival in Belfast on Sunday. Two other people also remained in hospital after taking ill at the same event.
Today, police confirmed that they had opened an investigation “in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death”, and had remained on the festival site until Monday afternoon to carry out their enquiries. Police Service Northern Ireland’s Superintendent Superintendent Allister Hagan said: “During the event it was reported that a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital.
“Police remained on the event site until Monday afternoon, 25th August. An investigation in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death of this young person is ongoing, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”
In a statement on Monday, Micky Murray, an Alliance councillor and former Lord Mayor of Belfast, said he had requested “an urgent meeting” with council officers and representatives of the festival following the teenager’s “heatbreaking” death.
Performers at this year’s Emerge Festival, an annual electronic music event held in Belfast first held in 2022, included Fatboy Slim, Bicep, Horsegirl and Denis Sulta.
Officers also arrested seven people over the course of the two-day festival in connection with a number of different offences, including disorderly behaviour, driving whilst unfit through excess alcohol, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs.
Superintendent Hagan said: “As with all large-scale events, a range of agencies were involved in supporting the safe delivery of the festival. Police were present across the weekend, working in partnership with organisers and Belfast City Council to help ensure the safety of those attending.
“Over the course of the two day event, local police were supported by specialist officers from a range of units including from Air Support, Tactical Support, Dog Section and Roads Policing.
“Officers made seven arrests over the weekend and issued thirteen immediate disposals – three Fixed Penalty Notices, one Caution and nine Community Resolution Notices. Offences included disorderly behaviour, driving whilst unfit through excess alcohol, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs.”