Police have sent a strong message to revellers after making 18 arrests for drug offences before the V Festival entertainment had even begun.

The arrests were all made yesterday and reiterated Essex Police's no nonsense policy for those who come to the popular music festival to take or supply drugs.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply, including a 21-year-old man from Epsom, Surrey, a 20-year-old man and 24-year-old man, both from Chelmsford, and an 18-year-old man from West Drayton, Middlesex.

Six people were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs.

They included a 35-year-old man from Watford, a 27-year-old man from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, a 22-year-old man from Chelmsford, a 29-year-old man from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, a 22-year-old man from West Drayton, Middlesex, and a 24-year-old man from Slough.

The 35-year-old man from Slough was given a caution and the 29-year-old man from Borehamwood has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Eight people were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of drugs.

They included a 17-year-old boy from Brighton, a 31-year-old man from Gravesend, Kent, a 16-year-old boy from Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, two 17-year-old boys from Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, a 21-year-old man of no fixed address, a 19-year-old man from West Drayton, Middlesex, and an 18-year-old man from West Drayton, Middlesex.