Reading Festival death: Man dies after falling ill near stage

A man has died two days after falling ill at Reading Festival, following a warning about high-strength pills at the event.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the man’s death, which comes after a girl was found dead at Leeds Festival on Saturday. 

Emergency services were called to an area near one of the stages just before 11pm on Saturday, August 24.

He was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, Berkshire at around 11.40pm but died in hospital on Monday, August 26.

His death is being treated as unexplained, Berkshire Live reports.

His next of kin have been informed but formal identification has not yet taken place.

Reading Festival’s Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Rob France said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has sadly died.

“We are investigating the circumstances of how he became ill and his death is being treated as unexplained at this time.

“We will continue to provide support to the man’s family at this difficult time."

A teenage girl died at Reading's sister event Leeds Festival on Saturday, prompting a warning about mixing drugs to festival goers.

In a tweet, festival organisers said: “Donkey Kong pills have been found in circulation at Reading. These are very dangerous, high strength pills, up to 3 times the normal average adult dose.”

West Yorkshire Police were called to the Bramham Park site following a report that the girl, who is from the Oldham area, had died shortly after 3.40am this morning.

A 17-year-old boy who is also from the Oldham area has been arrested on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs.

He is currently in custody.