Police release photos in Croydon rave death investigation

Police have released photographs of seven men to whom they want to speak in connection with a rave at which a teenager died.

Rio Andrew, 15, died after falling ill at an illegal party in south London. He was among 2,000 revellers who descended on a disused sorting office in Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon, in the early hours of Sunday.

Rio, from Notting Hill in west London, had gone to the party with a group of friends when he collapsed. He died in hospital on Monday. A 19-year-old is in hospital after also falling ill.

Scotland Yard has appealed for seven men visible in CCTV images to come forward, as they believe they might hold information about disorder during and after the rave. Police stressed that they did not believe any of the men were involved in Rio's death.

Commander Simon Letchford said: "The behaviour of some of those attending this illegal rave and the direct attacks on officers who were there to maintain public safety is completely unacceptable. We will identify all those responsible and bring them to justice."

Fourteen people have been arrested in connection with the rave, nine during the event itself.

Police made five arrests on Wednesday for handling stolen goods and criminal damage offences in connection with the investigation. All remain in custody.

Two men have been charged with violent disorder and drugs offences, while men aged 47 and 30 were cautioned for possessing class A drugs.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of money-laundering, a 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. All five have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

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