Greater Manchester Police have condemned the actions of the thousands of people who attended two illegal raves last night in defiance of coronavirus rules.
A man has died from a suspected drug overdose after around 4,000 people attended a rave at Daisy Nook Country Park in Droylsden.
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Three suspected stabbings, the suspected rape of an 18-year-old woman, and violence against the police have been reported after a 2,000 strong similar event in Carrington.
In a strongly worded statement, Greater Manchester Police said that while the event in Droylsden saw no reported incidents, a 20-year-old man died from a suspected overdose.
However, in Carrington there were a number of serious incidents including a suspected rape and a stabbing that has left an 18-year-old man in need of 'life-saving first aid' from officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: "We are aware of two large raves that took place in Carrington and Droylsden last night (Saturday 13 June 2020).
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"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.
"The gatherings were carefully monitored by officers but, like all forces, we needed to balance the present public health emergency and our overall demand with ongoing incidents, which can often provide a set of unique challenges when it comes to wider public safety.
"We also have to ensure that we strike the right balance of proportionality and fairness with our overall coronavirus response."
He continued: "In Droylsden there are believed to have been around 4,000 people at the peak of the gathering. Whilst that's a significant number, there were no reported incidents of further crime, but 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.
"In Carrington there are believed to have been around 2,000 people at the peak of the gathering. Unfortunately, there were a number of serious incidents at this gathering and after careful assessment, officers were deployed to the scene.
"There were three separate reported stabbings, including one where an 18-year-old man was left with life threatening injuries. Police officers managed to safely enter the crowds, locate the man and administer life-saving first aid before paramedics arrived.
"There is no doubt in my mind that the actions of those officers provided essential treatment to the man now in hospital and I would like to thank them for their efforts.
"Two other men - aged 25 and 26 - were also left with injuries after these separate assaults. A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and enquiries remain ongoing to locate the suspects involved in these incidents.
"I would also ask anyone with footage that could assist our enquiries to upload them to scd.cctv.gmp.police.uk so that our team can review it."
"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 whilst enquiries are ongoing to trace the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact police as soon as possible.
"Sadly, officers attempting to engage with participants of this gathering were met with violence, resulting in items being thrown and a police car being vandalised.
"I want to make it clear that this is absolutely not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Our officers are working incredibly hard to keep people safe and should never be met with inexcusable violence whilst carrying out their duties."
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