Probe into suspected drug death at Halloween event

The Forum has had its licence temporarily suspended

A man believed to have taken drugs at a Halloween-themed club night in Birmingham has died, prompting a police investigation.

Three people were taken to hospital on Saturday after attending an event at The Forum on Dale End, said West Midlands Police, which added the venue's licence had been suspended.

In connection with inquiries, Bradley Kay, 20, from Leicestershire, was charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

A spokesperson for Forum Birmingham said the venue was devastated by the death and it was working with authorities to understand the circumstances around it.

Mr Kay, of Main Street, Higham on the Hill, appeared before magistrates in Coventry on Tuesday where he was remanded into custody.

He is next due to appear at Warwick Crown Court on 28 November.

West Midlands Police said the man's family had been informed and was in contact with investigating officers.

"Our thoughts remain firmly with them at this difficult time," a police statement read.

"Two other men, aged 20, were also treated at hospital but have since been discharged."

About 2,800 people attended the DnB Allstars Halloween 360° event, Forum said.

In a statement the venue added: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and friends of a man who we were devastated to learn passed away in hospital on Saturday.

"He became unwell in the venue and was helped by our medical team before being taken to hospital by ambulance.

"We have all been deeply affected by this tragedy as, we know, have many in our wider community."

Venue accepts licence suspension decision

Detectives brought the incident to the attention of licensing body Birmingham City Council, amid suspicions the venue may have had an inadequate search regime in place, police said.

The venue said it accepted the council's decision to suspend its licence "while we complete this process and we are committed to putting in place any necessary additional measures".

They would work with the local authority over what happened in order to provide a safe venue for customers "as we have done over the last three years", a spokesperson added.

Organisers of events set to be disrupted by the situation would contact ticket holders directly with refund information or revised event details, Forum added.

Police said a post-mortem examination would be held in due course and officers were in contact with the area coroner.