A 15-YEAR-OLD suspected to have drank a beer laced with the drug ketamine while at an illegal rave in East Croydon has died.
The teenager, believed to be from west London, died in hospital this afternoon after falling ill during the event at the former Royal Mail delivery office in Cherry Orchard Road, on Saturday night.
Police believe he drank from a bottle of beer they think contained ketamine, an illegal party drug.
A 19-year-old is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after drinking from the same bottle, the Advertiser understands.
It is also understood that several other people who attended the event were also taken ill after drinking the same 'cocktail'.
Police believe they know the identity of the boy who passed away but are awaiting formal identification. A post mortem is be held in due course.
Six other people were taken to hospital after suffering injuries during the rave. They have since been discharged.
Police and council officials held an emergency 'gold group' meeting about the situation earlier this afternoon (Monday).
Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell, who has strongly criticised organisers of the event, said: "My thoughts are with this boy's family at their tragic and unnecessary loss.
"Yesterday I said that the organisers of this event, which has caused so much damage and disruption, should face the full force of the law.
"In the light of this tragic news I stand by that statement and will do all in my power to make sure that it happens."
Thousands of revellers descended on East Croydon for the rave, which began at 9pm.
Riot police were called after officers trying to shut down the event had missiles thrown at them, including fire extinguishers, by some people in the crowd.
The police then stepped back and allowed the rave to continue amid concern the disorder could spread out of their control.
Fourteen people have been arrested for various offences.
Two people have so far been charged, one with violent disorder, assault on a police officer and possession of class B drugs, and the second with violent disorder and possession of class A drugs.
They were due to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court today.
