Tributes to tragic teen after suspected ecstasy overdose

Two men have been arrested and were yesterday being questioned by police following the death of Joseph Preston from Ilkley on Sunday morning.

The 17-year-old is thoughtto have attended a dance music night the previous evening at Canal Mills, a venue in Armley, Leeds.

Police believe his condition deteriorated after consuming alcohol and Ecstasy during the evening and heading to a friend’s house in Shipley.

Officers were called at 9am on Sunday and the former Ilkley Grammar School pupil was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place today to determine how he died, with an inquest into his death set to be opened later this week.

The two 18-year-olds arrested by police on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug are understood to be friends of the victim. Steve Allison, a director at Canal Mills, said his staff had been helping police with their enquiries and provided officers with CCTV footage of “all areas of the venue”.

Friends of the “kind-hearted” 17-year-old paid tribute to him on social networking site Twitter.

One user wrote: “Joe Preston was one of the boys, can’t believe something like this has happened, he will be missed by the lads an others, love ya bro!! Rip! X”

A spokesman for Craven College, where Mr Preston was a second year student in carpentry and joinery, said staff were saddened to hear about the “untimely death”.

She said: “The college is offering support through its counseling service to any students who may be affected by this news.”

Principal Robert Bellfield said: “Joe was a very dedicated student and was on track for a successful career in carpentry and joinery. He was well liked and will be greatly missed by his fellow students. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family and friends at this distressing time.”