The net closes in

Following an appeal (on West Yorkshire Police's (WYP) website on 15th October) to identify those involved in disorder at this summer's Leeds Festival, nme.com is reporting that about half of the 24 people pictured have been identified. When we contacted WYP today we were told that nme.com's report probably overstated the number identified, but they did confirm that arrests are likely in the near future.

The photographs - taken from CCTV footage - were published with the aim of enlisting the public's help in indentifying those WYP believe as being involved. WYP are investigating a number of offences including arson, criminal damage and assault.

The disturbances began after the last act had finished on the Sunday, when small fires were lit next to portaloo toilet blocks, which were then pulled over (which doesn't make them anymore pleasant).

Police were called to assist the event security staff in containing the trouble, and then came under fire from missiles from upto 200 people, with the trouble going on for more than 2 hours. Skips were also set alight, and electricity cables were pulled to the ground.

WYP say that two officers were injured, and also claim some festival goers required treatment from on-site St John Ambulance representatives, although a spokesperson for Mean Fiddler (who run the event) has reportedly stated that "No festival-goers were injured".

Mean Fiddler have a contract to use the site at Temple Newsam Park for a festival next year. It's believed that negotiations between the council and Mean Fiddler over a new contract for the festival to be held at Temple Newsam Park have already begun. A spokesperson for Mean Fiddler has said "We will strive to make the festival better next year. The Leeds Festival will have a very long and successful future."

There has been trouble at the end of the last three Leeds festivals - and this year it also spread to the Reading leg of the festival - and obviously has to be stamped out if these festivals are to continue. There were 230 crimes reported at Leeds this year.

A public entertainments licence for the festival for this year was initially refused, but we understand that Leeds Council did not contest the appeal hearing before magistrates, which granted the licence.

You can see those whose identity is sought on West Yorkshire Police's website here.

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