Ulster Unionist MLA Michael McGimpsey has expressed his deep concern at the events which took place at the Odyssey arena in Belfast last night.
The South Belfast Assemblyman said:
“I am extremely concerned at last night’s events at the Odyssey where up to 100 young people who had gathered to watch a performance by Dutch DJ, Hardwell required treatment for the effects of alcohol and in a number of cases drugs.
“With ten thousand tickets sold for the event, it is clear that this act has a huge following amongst young people in Northern Ireland, but the scenes last night looked more like a war zone than an entertainment event. How so many young people were able to access drink and drugs must be addressed and steps be taken to ensure such scenes are not repeated.
“I would like to praise the tremendous work of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service last night, who were faced with an unprecedented situation. I am in no doubt that their prompt response and professionalism prevented people coming to further harm.
“Serious questions need to be asked of the Odyssey Trust, who manage the venue and I call on the Minister Carál Ní Chuilín to carry out an urgent investigation into the incident and report back to the Assembly.”