More than 70 people were arrested at this year’s V Festival in Chelmsford, police have said.

Some 53 people were arrested for drug possession, seven for selling legal highs (nitrous oxide), three for theft and one for assault.

Meanwhile, nine people were arrested for drug dealing offences, and one person was arrested for a public order offence.

Police drug sniffer dogs stationed across the entrances of the venue helped officers detain the drug offenders.

A total of 180,000 people attended the event at Hylands Park.

It has been reported that volunteers from St John Ambulance treated around 500 people over the course of the weekend, while 10 people were taken to hospital.

Chief Superintendent Simon Williams, of Essex Police, said: “I am 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 of whom stopped to stroke the dogs and engage with officers.

“We would like to thank the festival-goers for taking note of our crime prevention advice and hope that they enjoyed the weekend.”