Manchester raves: Man dies from suspected drug overdose after three stabbed and woman raped at illegal ‘quarantine’ parties

Event saw a reported 4,000 people in close proximity as violence struck at separate rave on other side of town

A 20-year-old man has died from a suspected drug overdose following a rave in Greater Manchester, while a woman was raped and three men were stabbed at a similar event on the other side of the city, police say.

The man had attended a gathering of reportedly 4,000 people in Oldham which was being billed as a “Quarantine Rave”, with a large sign greeting revellers at Daisy Nook Country Park.

Assistant chief constable of Greater Manchester Police Chris Sykes said: “We are aware of two large raves that took place in Carrington and Oldham last night.

“In Oldham there are believed to have been around 4,000 people at the peak of the gathering.

“Sadly a 20-year-old man passed away from a suspected drug overdose following the gathering and we have specialist officers supporting his family at this time.”

At the Carrington rave, an 18-year-old woman was raped and three men were stabbed, according to police.

An 18-year-old man was left with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed while two other men, aged 25 and 26, were also injured in separate assaults, police said.

“We are also investigating the rape of an 18-year-old woman who attended this event and we have specialist officers supporting her and her family while enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact police as soon as possible,” Mr Sykes said.

Police added that officers were met with violence from attendees of the Carrington rave, with items thrown and a squad car being vandalised.

There were no further reported incidents of crime at the Oldham rave.

Mr Sykes said that violence towards police at the Carrington rave was “absolutely not acceptable and will not be tolerated”.

“These raves were illegal and I condemn them taking place – they were clearly a breach of coronavirus legislation and guidelines, and have had tragic consequences,” Mr Sykes added.

“Coronavirus is still a threat and we will continue to engage with people to encourage them to take some personal responsibility and do the right thing.

“Ultimately we need the people of Greater Manchester to join together and demonstrate the spirit that they have previously shown in the face of hard times.”

Angela Rayner, deputy Labour leader and MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, tweeted: “Those who attended put themselves and their loved ones at risk. [Completely] irresponsible.

“A lot of effort went into online events this weekend across [Greater Manchester]. Those who attended should be ashamed of themselves. My local area now has to deal with the aftermath.”

Additional reporting by Press Association