AN illegal rave in Oldham involving up to 4,000 people resulting in the death of a 20-year-old man from a suspected drug overdose has drawn widespread condemnation.

Hordes of revellers defied the coronavirus pandemic lockdown at Daisy Nook Country Park on Saturday night leaving huge quantities of litter.

Furious local residents took to social media to express their anger at the flagrant disregard for public safety.

Oldham Council leader Sean Fielding and his Failsworth West ward colleague Peter Davis visited the area yesterday as the enormous clear-up operation began.

Cllr Fielding said on social media: “I visited the site with Cllr Davis this morning and talked with staff who had been on site since 6am. They were receiving support from many local people in clearing the litter. Thank you to all of those helping with the clean up.

“We are working with Tameside Council and the police to co-ordinate the response and any other follow-up action.

“I don't think I could capture the anger and disappointment many local people are feeling in a Facebook post and so I won't try. Let's use that energy getting Daisy Nook back to its usual beauty and pursue those who were responsible for what happened last night.”

The Daisy Nook rave was one of two such incidents which took place in Greater Manchester over the weekend with thousands also partying in Carrington.

Greater Manchester's deputy mayor for policing and crime Bev Hughes, said: "These events were a flagrant breach of the coronavirus legislation and a number of very serious incidents took place at both locations. Anyone with information or footage regarding these incidents should contact GMP immediately.

“I want to thank those officers who helped to deal with these incidents in the face of appalling violence. In particular, I want to thank the officers who stepped in to save the life of the young man who was stabbed at Carrington and also extend my condolences to the family of the young man who passed away at Droylsden.

“This significant rise in incidents has clearly put a strain on our police at what is still a very difficult time. But those reckless individuals who attended these raves and committed other crimes have not just put a needless demand on vital police time, they have also put themselves and their communities in real danger. The coronavirus has not gone away, we are all still at risk."

“The vast majority of people have respected the lockdown and GMP have seen a noticeable reduction in Covid related incidents over recent weeks. This has helped us to get through the peak of the virus and protect the NHS but we must all continue to play our part if we are going to beat the coronavirus."

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, said: “We are aware of two large raves that took place in Carrington and Oldham on Saturday night.

"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.

“We have experienced a surge in emergency calls this weekend with more than a 60% increase in demand via 999 calls from 5pm yesterday to 4am this morning. We expect to receive around 1,011 emergency 999 calls between those hours usually but received 1,516 this weekend.

“The demand from 101 calls also increased with 526 calls received between 11pm last night through to 4am this morning. We usually expect approximately 271 of those 101 calls. This also doesn’t account for reports made via our website or LiveChat facility so clearly the demand on Greater Manchester Police this weekend has been significant and continues to be.

“In Oldham 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.

“We are currently working alongside partners across Greater Manchester and are engaging with local authorities in order to seek further preventative measures and address concerns of our communities during this pandemic.

"We are keen to come up with solutions that meet the needs of the community. I also want to thank those community members that have come out to clean the areas alongside police and members of the local authorities this morning, your support goes a long way."

Meanwhile, scores of furious locals took to social  medía in a a blistering attack condemning the Daisy Nook rave.

Some urged the police to seek out and prosecute the organisers and anyone who took part staging the event with many demanding prison terms or severe fines.

One post from the organiser of  a licensed entertainment venue, highlighted  working closely with Oldham Council, GMP, the licensing and street cleaning, highways and others to ensure events are properly run in a manner to ensure public safety, child protection, traffic management and many other issues.

It said: “It involves months of planning, taking out insurance and working closely with various partnership agencies.  I would expect that if we were so irresponsible not to make these provisions, then we be arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned or face a hefty fine.

“I would hope the relevant authorities would track down those responsible for organizing these events and bring them before the courts to explain themselves.

“Even without current restrictions, this is is a totally irresponsible thing to do in such a lovely area.  They need to pay for their behavior.“

A lady who lives close to Daisy Nook eho visited  the rave site aftermath said: “Whoever  organised the rave has a lot to answer for. Disgusting.

“I just love the wildlife and hate the amount of disrespect we see nowadays from our younger generation. The amount of rubbish is unreal.”