DJ Hardwell gig cancelled in Edinburgh after Belfast drink and drug problems

A DJ Hardwell gig has been cancelled in Edinburgh after more than 100 youngsters were treated by paramedics at his concert in Belfast.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service declared the scene at the concert as a "major incident" at about 20:00 GMT on Thursday.

People were treated for the effects of alcohol and in some cases drugs at the Odyssey Arena.

Edinburgh Council and Police Scotland have now cancelled Saturday's event.

Safety concerns

It was due to take place at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston at 19:00 on Saturday with tickets priced £39.50.

I Am Hardwell promoter, Colours, said: "We regret to inform you that after a lengthy meeting with the City Chambers in Edinburgh, licensing board and Police Scotland this afternoon, a decision has been made to withdraw the licence for the I Am Hardwell event tomorrow night at The Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh.

"This means that unfortunately the event will not go ahead. Due to the situation in Belfast on Thursday 6 February, it was decided that the event in Edinburgh should not go ahead due to safety concerns.

"We will give more details next week regarding either a rescheduled show or the refund procedure. We thank you for your understanding at this time."

One charity worker who helped to treat people at the scene in Belfast told the BBC it was "like a disaster zone".

Hardwell, a Dutch DJ and producer, said he was "gutted" by the decision. In a tweet he added: "It's out of my hands, we'll announce a make up date asap!"

He was named the world's number one DJ in the 2013 DJ Mag top 100 DJs poll.

City of Edinburgh Council said the decision was taken after concerns raised by Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service following events in Belfast and the death of teenager Regane MacColl in Glasgow last weekend.

Gavin Barrie, convener of the regulatory committee, said: "We have taken the difficult decision to suspend the licence on the grounds of a serious threat to public order and safety following advice from Police Scotland and health officials after what happened in Belfast and Glasgow.

Police Scotland's Supt Matt Richards said: "Working with council colleagues several legal powers have been utilised to ensure that those considering attending the event and wider public are protected. As a result of this partnership approach to harm reduction a decision has been taken to cancel the event."