Two Teenagers Die At T In The Park

8 July 2016, 17:50

Police investigating the deaths of two teenagers at the T in the Park music festival have said there were no suspicious circumstances.

A male festival-goer from the west of Scotland and a female from the north of England - both aged 17 - died as Scotland's biggest music event got under way at Strathallan Castle in Perthshire.

Officers are looking at the possibility the deaths were drug related and they have warned revellers against taking illegal substances.

Chief Superintendent Angela McLaren said: "Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of the two young people involved.

"We are continuing to investigate these deaths and are following lines of inquiry, including the possibility that they may be drug related. I would remind all persons attending the festival that there is no safe way of taking drugs.

"Anyone who has any concerns for themselves or others at the festival should contact festival staff, police officers or medics for assistance.''

Campers began arriving on Thursday for the three-day event, which will see The Stone Roses headline on Friday evening.

More than 80,000 revellers are expected over the weekend, with a line-up which also includes Calvin Harris and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

T in the Park is being staged at Strathallan for the second time after moving from Balado in Kinross-shire in 2015.

Last year, a 36-year-old man from the north of England was found dead at the campsite.

Festival director Geoff Ellis said: "We are shocked and saddened by today's news and our thoughts are with the families and friends at this time.

"We are offering our full support and assistance.''

Police Scotland said next of kin have been informed and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

Officers also reported an cash machine has been stolen from the main arena. They said: "Police have appealed for witnesses following the theft of an ATM machine from the main arena area at T in the Park.

"The ATM contained a significant amount of cash and was taken between 12am and 7am on Friday, 8 July.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101."

Despite the deaths, the mood remained upbeat as the sun shone on revellers.

The Stone Roses, Disclosure, James Morrison and Jamie XX are just some of the acts performing on the opening day of the festival, which is taking place at the Perthshire estate for the second time following its move from nearby Balado last year.

Festival organisers DF Concerts was forced to apologise last year following teething problems at the new site which left fans feeling short changed.

A new transport plan was set up for this year's event, including separate roads for buses and cars, an improved bus station at a different location, new car parks, and a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point.

Fans laden with rucksacks and tents began arriving at the campsite when it opened on Thursday, with thousands more flocking to the site as the first acts took to the stage on Friday.

Wellies were the footwear of choice for the early birds after the site's walkways were churned into mud.

The Temperance Movement got proceedings under way on the main stage, followed by Alessia Cara.

The venue's five other stages and tents were also drawing good crowds, with the likes of Bear's Den and Augustines performing.