By james art The operators of the Forum Birmingham nightclub have released a statement saying they are devastated by the death of a 22-year-old man who fell ill at their venue last weekend.
West Midlands Police, who are investigating his death, believe the man and two others, both in their 20s, may have taken drugs at the club when they visited on Saturday October 26 for the DnB Allstars Halloween 360° event. The other two men were also treated in hospital but have since been released.
The establishment’s license has been temporarily suspended by the city council while local authorities investigate the death. Police claimed the club “may have had an inadequate search regime”.
Writing on Instagram, Forum Birmingham said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of a man who we were devastated to learn had died in hospital on Saturday. He fell ill at the scene and was treated by our medical team before being taken to hospital by ambulance. We have all been deeply affected by this tragedy, as we know, many in our wider community.
“We are working closely with local public authorities to fully understand the circumstances and ensure we continue to provide the safest possible environment for visitors, as we have done for the past three years. We accept the council’s decision to suspend the premises license pending completion of this process and are committed to putting in place any necessary additional measures.”
Police said an autopsy would be performed on the deceased man soon and officials were in contact with the district medical examiner.
The death comes amid recent warnings about high-strength MDMA pills, which are currently being distributed across the UK after a rise in related hospitalizations.