Teenage girl dies after becoming unwell at festival in Belfast

A teenage girl has died after “becoming unwell” at a music festival in Belfast at the weekend.

Police said they received a report of the sudden death of a girl aged in her late teens on Sunday.

The girl died in hospital after becoming unwell at an event in south Belfast, police said.

The event is understood to be the Emerge dance music festival which was held at the Boucher Road Fields in Belfast on Saturday and Sunday.

Two other people remain in hospital after becoming ill at the same event.

A woman aged in her 30s is in a serious but stable condition, while a boy aged in his teens received treatment and is expected to make a full recovery, police said.

“Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding all reports are ongoing,” a PSNI spokesman said.

The Emerge festival has been contacted for comment.

Belfast city councillor Micky Murray shared his condolences at the “utterly heartbreaking” news.

He said he had requested a meeting with council and festival representatives as he urged people not to speculate while police carry out their inquiries.

“I also wish for a full and speedy recovery for the other individuals who have been taken to the hospital and are reported to have attended the festival as well,” Mr Murray said.

“Festivals are meant to be safe spaces for people to celebrate their love of music and express themselves, no-one expects such a tragic incident to occur in this environment.

“The circumstances of the situation remain unclear, and as a representative on Belfast City Council, I have requested an urgent meeting with council officers and representatives from Emerge festival.

“I urge people not to speculate, as the police have stated that inquiries are still ongoing.”