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Concert-goers fall ill at Hardwell gig in Belfast's Odyssey Concert-goers fall ill at Hardwell gig in Belfast's Odyssey
(35 minutes later)
Dozens of young people have been treated by paramedics after becoming ill at a concert venue in Belfast.Dozens of young people have been treated by paramedics after becoming ill at a concert venue in Belfast.
Fifteen people were taken to two hospitals to be treated for the effects of drugs and alcohol.Fifteen people were taken to two hospitals to be treated for the effects of drugs and alcohol.
No-one was seriously injured. Thousands of people were at Dutch DJ Hardwell's concert at the Odyssey Arena.No-one was seriously injured. Thousands of people were at Dutch DJ Hardwell's concert at the Odyssey Arena.
A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesman said many of those treated by paramedics were already intoxicated when they arrived at the venue.A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesman said many of those treated by paramedics were already intoxicated when they arrived at the venue.
John McPoland said: "We believe the majority arrived suffering from too much alcohol.John McPoland said: "We believe the majority arrived suffering from too much alcohol.
"We declared a major incident because of the number of resources we had to deploy to the scene.""We declared a major incident because of the number of resources we had to deploy to the scene."
A police spokesman said a number of young people, "believed to be in excess of 20", were treated inside the venue. He said police enquiries were continuing.A police spokesman said a number of young people, "believed to be in excess of 20", were treated inside the venue. He said police enquiries were continuing.
A spokesman for the Odyssey Arena, Adrian Doyle, said: "It is our understanding that a number of patrons arriving to attend a concert by Dutch DJ act Hardwell have required medical attention, having already been intoxicated on their arrival at the complex.A spokesman for the Odyssey Arena, Adrian Doyle, said: "It is our understanding that a number of patrons arriving to attend a concert by Dutch DJ act Hardwell have required medical attention, having already been intoxicated on their arrival at the complex.
"These patrons were not granted entry to the Odyssey Arena, and were treated by the Ambulance Service outside.""These patrons were not granted entry to the Odyssey Arena, and were treated by the Ambulance Service outside."
Dr Tony Stephens of the Belfast Health Trust said the 15 patients who had been admitted to the Royal Victoria and Mater Hospitals' emergency departments were in a stable condition.Dr Tony Stephens of the Belfast Health Trust said the 15 patients who had been admitted to the Royal Victoria and Mater Hospitals' emergency departments were in a stable condition.
"We really don't know what to expect - we understand there were 10,000 people at the concert and while there were a number of people unwell at the scene, the suggestion is we may be receiving more patients as the night goes on," he said. "Our specialist teams and support staff have come in and we've been able to manage this really effectively," he said.
"We've created capacity on our wards to look after these patients and it has been a great effort from all our staff."
Belfast Health Trust has set up an emergency telephone number for people concerned about friends or relatives: 028 9063 8131.Belfast Health Trust has set up an emergency telephone number for people concerned about friends or relatives: 028 9063 8131.
Among those attending the concert was Scott McBride, who said a number of people were being sick as he arrived at the venue.Among those attending the concert was Scott McBride, who said a number of people were being sick as he arrived at the venue.
"Everywhere you looked, you were guaranteed to see someone who was ill or on their way," he said."Everywhere you looked, you were guaranteed to see someone who was ill or on their way," he said.
"One of the guys in particular I saw was sitting in his own vomit against a wall and struggling to keep his eyes straight.""One of the guys in particular I saw was sitting in his own vomit against a wall and struggling to keep his eyes straight."
A spokesman for a watchdog set up to investigate complaints about irresponsible alcohol promotions said the events were "shocking".A spokesman for a watchdog set up to investigate complaints about irresponsible alcohol promotions said the events were "shocking".
Duncan McCausland of the Independent Complaints Panel for the Responsible Retailing of Alcohol Code said: "I would call on those selling alcohol to make sure they are not selling it to people who are underage.Duncan McCausland of the Independent Complaints Panel for the Responsible Retailing of Alcohol Code said: "I would call on those selling alcohol to make sure they are not selling it to people who are underage.
"I would also urge parents to exercise parental control and make sure that young people are not drinking excessively at home before going on a night out.""I would also urge parents to exercise parental control and make sure that young people are not drinking excessively at home before going on a night out."
Colin Neill of trade body Pubs of Ulster said he was "extremely concerned", and urged bar staff to be extra vigilant for underage drinkers.Colin Neill of trade body Pubs of Ulster said he was "extremely concerned", and urged bar staff to be extra vigilant for underage drinkers.
"Pre-loading at home before going out is dangerous and can lead to unintended consequences with people putting themselves at great risk," he said."Pre-loading at home before going out is dangerous and can lead to unintended consequences with people putting themselves at great risk," he said.
"Parents must stop under 18s getting access to drink, and licensees should check ID and exercise extreme caution at all times.""Parents must stop under 18s getting access to drink, and licensees should check ID and exercise extreme caution at all times."