“It is for the Coroner, not the police, to confirm a cause of death”
The PSNI has urged festival goers to “take simple steps to keep themselves and their friends safe”, after the deaths of two young people last weekend.
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon a police spokesperson said they are “aware of public concern and questions about information sharing following the recent tragic deaths of two young people in Belfast”.
Mia Keevan, 17, became unwell at Emerge Music Festival on Sunday night and later died in hospital. 24-year-old Trae Keenan passed away after falling ill at an Airbnb on Sunday morning, having attended the festival the night before
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“First and foremost, we need to remember that at the centre of this debate there are two grieving families. They remain in our thoughts,” the PSNI statement read.
“To be clear, the role of Police is to investigate the circumstances of these deaths and provide evidence to the Coroner. It is for the Coroner, not the police, to confirm a cause of death. Public health advice on drugs and associated risks is provided by health authorities. Police will support and reinforce those messages, but we do not issue medical or toxicology information.”
Police say at all major events and festivals, officers “put measures in place to reduce risk”.
“This includes drug amnesty bins prior to search points, allowing substances to be safely disposed of without consequence,” the statement continued.
“Detectives from our Organised Crime Branch conduct rapid testing of substances seized or recovered, we also share information through the Drug and Alcohol Monitoring and Information System (DAMIS) for review by the multi-agency DAMIS working group. That body takes decisions about how to act on any information received.”
Superintendent Allister Hagan added: “We know the public want answers about recent tragic deaths, but we must respect due process. The Coroner will confirm cause of death once toxicology results are available. Until then it would be wrong to speculate.
“Alongside our investigation, we will continue to take practical steps at events and festivals to reduce harm. From drug amnesty bins to rapid testing of the seized or surrendered drugs and sharing intelligence through DAMIS, we are working closely with health partners and event organisers to help keep people safe.
“I also want to send a clear message to those who supply drugs or bring substances into festivals: you are putting lives at risk and you will be targeted. We will use every available power to find you, disrupt you, and bring you before the courts.
“Police are also urging festival goers to take simple steps to keep themselves and their friends safe:
• Look out for each other and seek help immediately if someone appears unwell. • If you or a friend need help, contact event medical staff or approach a police officer or steward. • Make use of welfare facilities provided on site. “Further updates will be provided when appropriate and in line with the Coroner’s direction.”
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