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One dead and seven critical after taking ‘rogue’ drugs at festival

Supt Mark Pannone, of Cumbria Police, said: “Our advice is simple – do not take any drugs”. Do not retake substances until you are confident that the effects have worn off. Also do not mix drugs with alcohol or other substances.

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A man has died and four people are in hospital following suspected “substance abuse” at a music festival. Despite warnings on screens around the site, three more festival-goers were hospitalised on Saturday night, and another person on Sunday evening.

The 19-year-old man and the 29-year-old woman remain in hospital in a “serious but stable” condition, while the 18-year-old man and 20-year-old man have been discharged from hospital.

“Kendal Calling continue to communicate very strong drug awareness messages across the festival site and advise anyone who feels unwell to speak to a member of staff immediately”.

25,000 people are expected to attend the campsite in Lowther Deer Park, near Penrith, across the weekend on what is the festival’s tenth birthday. “The majority of them enjoyed the event safely”.

Get to know your campsite security team, store their number and call them if you see any suspicious / antisocial behaviour! His family have been informed.

Cumbria Constabulary said that drugs seized which could be linked to the illnesses include a blue tablet with an Adidas logo, yellow powder believed to be MDMA, and an orange oval tablet with a Rolls-Royce logo.

Four people arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply have been released on bail.

The criminal investigation is ongoing and there have been no further arrests.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and we are doing everything possible to support the police with their enquiries”.

In the General FAQ section it states: “The festival operates a zero-tolerance policy to drugs”.

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Anyone with information about the incident can contact Cumbria police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The gates open at Kendal Calling 2015