Police investigate after woman dies at festival

Police were called to the festival in the grounds of the stately home on Sunday afternoon after reports of a woman who fell seriously ill

A woman has died and a man is in a serious condition after attending a dance festival.

Northamptonshire Police said the emergency services were called to the Illusive Festival, near Corby, on Sunday afternoon when the woman became seriously ill.

Det Ch Insp Andrew Tuff said: "Sadly, she later died and a man in his 20s also became critically ill."

Officers have begun an investigation into possible illegal substance supply at the festival and Northamptonshire Combatting Drugs and Alcohol Partnership has urged anyone who becomes unwell after taking drugs to seek medical help.

The privately-owned house Deene Park is at the centre of acres of parkland

The organisers of the three-day dance music festival, which was being held for the last time, have been approached for comment.

It was held in the grounds of stately home Deene Park and headline acts included Lenny D, Girls Next Door and Ed Solo.

Police are working with festival organisers and public health officials to establish what might have caused the woman to die and a man to become critically ill

Det Ch Insp Tuff said: "We continue to work with those in charge of the festival and colleagues in public health to establish the cause and urge anyone else who feels ill having attended the event to seek medical help."

Jane Bethea, director of public health at North Northamptonshire Council, said: "Nobody can be sure what is in the drugs that they buy, or the effect the drug might have on them.

"We also advise that if you have taken an illicit drug and feel unwell, that you seek medical help and call 999 if you feel you need urgent medical assistance."

People can also self-refer through the confidential support organisation STAR Northamptonshire.