12 arrested on last night of Download

United Kingdom | | 12 June 2006

Police and festival organisers are carrying out a joint investigation to catch those responsible for a disturbance that broke out on the last night of Download Festival at Donington Park, marring an otherwise perfect event.

Police officers arrested a dozen people after missiles were thrown at them, after being called to the site after reports of a number of fires in the campsite areas. No serious injuries to fans had been reported, however it marked an unsavoury end to what had otherwise been a perfect festival.

Festival Director Stuart Galbraith said: "There were 75,000 people per day at the event, and up until last night, there had been no major incidents over the weekend. The trouble involved a small number of otherwise fantastic customers who attended this massively successful event. This type of trouble is very rare and is completely out of character for Download fans.

"This was the smoothest festival, in terms of organisation, logistics and line-up, that we have ever run at Donington Park featuring over 100 bands including Metallica, Tool and Guns n' Roses as our headliners."

Superintendent Paul Smith, of the Leicestershire Constabulary, added: "The festival has been relatively trouble-free all weekend and this incident has marred an otherwise peaceful and enjoyable event.

"The disorder involved a number of people and it is not clear at thus early stage what sparked the trouble.

"A full investigation is already under way to establish exactly what happened and to assess the extent of crime and the identity of any offenders."

Were you a victim of crime during the incidents, or did you capture any of it on your mobile phone? If so, please report it as soon as possible to the police, so they can swiftly track down those responsible and ensure that the future of this amazing festival is not affected by this small group of people.