London Teen Rio Andrew Dies After Drinking 'Lethal Cocktail of Beer Laced With Ketamine'

Tributes have been paid to teenager Rio Andrew who died after reportedly drinking a lethal cocktail of beer mixed with class B drug ketamine at an illegal Croydon rave.

The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed a 15-year-old boy died in hosital on Monday after falling ill at the Saturday night rave at a disused Royal Mail sorting office.

Friends have since used social media to express their shock at the death of Andrew, who has been described as a "talented and amazing boy".

Comments published on Twitter included "you were my mate since primary and its heartbreaking to let you go".

Another simply said: "cannot believe it...RIP Rio Andrew."

A 19-year-old man was also taken ill at the same event and remains in hospital in a stable condition. Officers believe there were six other people taken to hospital with injuries.

The illegal rave was discovered by officers performing a routine patrol of Cherry Orchard Road, in East Croydon.

Thousands of revellers had gathered at the former sorting office, where a soundsystem had been set up and the party was happening.

Additional officers were called and a police cordon was set up to prevent further people from gaining access to the building and the surrounding area but violence soon broke out and missiles, including, according to eye witnesses, furniture, were thrown at police officers.

It was not until 8:30am on Sunday officers entered the venue, arresting a total of 14 people on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and drugs offences.