Nearly 30 people from across Essex, Suffolk, Kent, West Midlands and east London have so far been arrested at Chelmsford’s V-Festival.

Police say the arrests enforce the message that criminal activity will not be tolerated at the event.

The 26 arrests, made before 1pm today, included 20 for drug possession, one for drug-dealing, two for drink-driving, two for theft and one for rowdy and disorderly behaviour.

Eight men are currently being questioned by police while in custody, seven people were issued with cannabis possession warnings, and seven have been released on police bail while enquiries into their cannabis possession are undertaken.

Two people were cautioned for cannabis possession, one was issued with a fixed penalty notice for teh same offence and one person was later released without charge.

Essex Police is also investigating three thefts from tents and a car break-in.

Policing co-ordinator, Chief Supt Andy Prophet, said: “The festival has a reputation for being one of the safest on the summer calendar and Essex Police is working with the event organisers to ensure it remains that way.

“If you coming to V to commit crime, then be warned. There is an extensive array of CCTV cameras as well as my officers, private security patrols, drug sniffer dogs and a range of other undercover activity all designed to catch you.

“Festival-goers are urged to keep themselves and their property safe by following the crime prevention advice promoted by Seymour on the Essex Police website and Twitter account.”

Anyone who experiences crime at the festival can report it to Essex Police at the mobile police station or by calling 101 or 999.

For crime prevention advice and regular updates about the festival, follow Essex Police on Twitter @essexpoliceuk