THE conditions of two people who became seriously ill at the Reminisce Festival at Sherdley Park on Saturday have improved.

A 19-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man were both in a critical condition following suspected ecstasy overdoses.

Today (Friday) police said the young man is in a stable condition, while the 19-year-old woman, who is from Chester, has been discharged from hospital and recovering at home.

It is believed up to 15 people were taken ill at the event after taking drugs.

Police suspect those who became unwell took ecstasy tablets, although enquiries are ongoing to confirm this.

Police, who have recovered a batch of blue ecstasy pills that had been deposited in an amnesty bin at the park, fear more of the potentially life-threatening tablets could be in the hands of dealers in St Helens.

On Sunday, detectives arrested two local men – aged 31 and 42 – on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

They were later released without charge while the investigation continues.

Police have been interviewing a number of people who were taken ill between Saturday afternoon and the early hours of Sunday morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Sephton, who heads St Helens CID, said: “If anybody has been unwell after taking these substances we would urge them to get in contact with us.

“We also need to speak with anyone who may be aware of people who were selling drugs at Reminisce. We have a timeline of events that shows the young woman becoming ill at 4.45pm and the man at 9.30pm. There are reports of people being unwell up until 12.15am on the Sunday.”

He added: “The clear message is don’t take these drugs. We don’t know the strength of them or what the effect they have if they are mixed with alcohol or medications.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police in St Helens on 0151 7776939 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.