Thousands of young people – including hundreds from Derry – who attended Thursday night’s rave at the Odyssey Arena deserve credit for acting responsibly, SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey has said.
The scene outside the Odyssey Arena on Thursday night.
Police have launched an investigation after over 100 young people were treated by paramedics for the effects of alcohol and drugs at East Belfast venue.
Three people were arrested and officers seized a small quantity of drugs outside the venue.
Part of the police probe will centre on how the heavily intoxicated young people were able to buy alcohol before the gig and how some drunk teens got into venue.
According to the PSNI, 300 people were refused entry to the concert which had a 10,000 ticket sellout.
The NI Ambulance Service has confirmed 108 young people needed medical help both inside and outside the venue.
Mr Ramsey said while incident was “extremely concerning,” not all the young people who attended deserved “to be cast in a bad light.”
The Foyle MLA revealed he had been contacted by many parents whose children were at the DJ Hardwell gig and believed acknowledgement should be given to thousands of young people who attended and behaved responsibly.
Mr Ramsey said: “A number of parents whose children were at the event phoned me to say something needs to be said about the young ones who were at the gig and didn’t get drunk or fall ill.
Dutch DJ Hardwell.
“I think it’s really important to note several thousand people, many from Derry and the North West area, who went to the concert and caused no offence; didn’t take alcohol or drugs.
“From what I’m aware, many young people travelled by bus and had their bags searched and any liquid, including water confiscated.”
Mr Ramsey concluded: “I think it’s really important we don’t tarnish all young people with what happened last night. That’s not fair. I would like to praise the emergency services who attended the incident and helped those who were in need.”
Meanwhile, a DJ Hardwell gig due to take place in Edinburgh tonight has been cancelled by the local council and Police Scotland.
It was due to take place at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston with tickets priced £39.50.
City of Edinburgh Council said the decision was taken after concerns raised by Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service following events in Belfast and the death of teenager Regane MacColl in Glasgow last weekend.
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