Essex Police demonstrated that criminal activity will not be tolerated at the V-Festival and made 72 arrests over the weekend.

The majority of these arrests were for drug-related offences and were sniffed out by the police drug sniffer dogs at the entrances to the venue.

As of 11pm last night, officers had made arrests for drug possession (53), drug-dealing (9), assaults (1), theft (3), public order (1) and selling nitrous oxide (7).

Policing Commander, Chief Supt Simon Williams, said: "Iā€™m really pleased with the great work from all our officers who have been liaising with the V-Festival organisers to make sure this brilliant event was both safe and enjoyable.

"The work of our drugs dogs in sniffing out those in supplying drugs has once again proven to be a successful tactic. The dogs were also a great hit with the festival-goers, many who stopped to stroke the dogs and engage with officers.ā€

"We would like to thank the festival-goers for taking note of our crime prevention advice and hope that they enjoyed the weekend. We would urge people to be mindful of their alcohol limits if they are going to drive home at the end of today or in the morning and be patient as the roads will be busy after the festival ends.

"If you have been a victim of crime, please do report it to us by calling 101.ā€