A senior detective from Essex Police has tonight warned people heading to V Festival not to bring drugs to the site.

So far 16 members of the public have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug. A number of those are teenagers.

They are being dealt with by officers at Hylands Park and will not be allowed entry into the site.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Maleary said: "The people we have arrested are mostly under the age of 18. They were arrested as part of the routine stop checks and searches that officers are carrying out at the entrance sites. My message to anyone thinking of taking drugs to the event is a simple one – don’t! You will be caught. You won’t be allowed into the festival and you will face police action.”

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 or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/essexpoliceuk