COUNCIL leader Tony Newman has told organisers of Saturday's illegal rave they are "not welcome" in Croydon.
Thousands of people attended the event at the former Royal Mail delivery office by East Station.
Crowds clashed with police and eight people were taken to hospital, including a 15-year-old who died yesterday after drinking a beer police believe contained the party drug ketamine.
Cllr Newman said he wanted to send a clear message to those involved in running the event.
He said: "Our thoughts go out to the boy's family over their devastating loss, and we will be doing our utmost to help the police bring those responsible to justice.
"The message to the organisers of this rave is very clear; you are not welcome in this borough and you will not be allowed to get away with organising illegal activities that put young people at such terrible risk."
The rave was organised by Valhalla and Rum and Bass, both of which have in the past hired security guards or stewards to manage their events.
Revellers registered interest in attending via social media and then received an email on the night containing phone numbers to call for the location.
Cllr Newman said efforts were being made to trace those responsible.
He explained: "We are assisting the police, who are using the council's CCTV footage to track perpetrators, and we expect the strongest possible action will be taken against all those who were involved.
"Owners of empty buildings have a responsibility to ensure they are safe and secure, and we will be making sure that they take these responsibilities seriously. We must do everything in our power to make sure that this does not happen here ever again."
Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell has also spoken out against those involved, saying they should "feel the full force of the law".
