Police Appeal for Witnesses to Leeds Festival Disturbances

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At 11pm on Sunday August 25, following the final act at the weekend music event, a number of people in the red campsite began pulling lighting down. Small fires were set near the toilet blocks which were then pulled over.

Police were called to assist the event's security staff and officers came under fire from a crowd of up to 200 people throwing missiles including bricks and bottles. Sporadic outbreaks of disorder continued for more than two hours.

Forty-four people required medical assistance from the on-site St John Ambulance representatives, some of the injuries were as a result of the disorder. Two police officers were also injured.

Following the disorder, a team of detectives was established to investigate numerous offences including arson, criminal damage, assault and public order. They have studied hours of footage taken by Virtual Festivals (the only reporters on the scene) and by the West Yorkshire Police helicopter to try and identify those suspected of being involved.

Killingbeck Police today released photographs of footage of 24 men they would like to trace in connection with the disorder.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Kerry, Killingbeck Police Crime Manager, said: "Up to 50,000 people, including many families, visited this event each day and had a good time.

"The event was marred by a small minority who were involved in violence which put public safety at risk. This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. We would ask members of the public to help identify these people."

Virtual Festivals were the only reporters to brave the disturbnces, and spent considerable time assisting police with their investigtions - in particular providing images of the main offenders - in the days after the event.

For further information and to view close-up photographs please go to:
http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/Press%20Releases/july-nov/popconcert/popappeal.htm

Recognise anyone?

Anyone with information is asked to contact Killingbeck Police on 0113 2413685.

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