Police issue drugs warning ahead of Creamfields festival

Anyone caught trying to smuggle drugs into the Creamfields Festival in Cheshire will be prosecuted, police have warned.

About 80,000 people are expected to attend the annual event, which takes place in Daresbury from Thursday to Monday.

Pre-event checks carried out by Cheshire Police have led to the seizure of a "substantial quantity of Class C drugs, nitrous oxide and Class A and B drugs", the force said.

Supt Sarah Heath said: "If you are caught trying to smuggle any drugs into the festival, you will be prosecuted and the impact of that is long lasting."

Supt Heath said a range of security measures were in place, including searches prior to entry and use of drug dogs.

She issued a reminder that nitrous oxide - commonly known as laughing gas - is now a Class C drug, making possession and sale for recreational purposes a criminal offence.

Amnesty bins for prohibited items have been put in place at entrance points.

Cheshire Police said its operation extended beyond the festival site's borders, with a particular focus on trying to minimise any disruption for local residents.

Anyone driving to the festival has also been warned that they face fines if they breach motorway rules.

National Highways said extra officers were being deployed around Junction 11 of the M56 at Daresbury to deter festival goers from walking on the motorway.

Motorists have also been reminded not to stop on the motorway hard shoulder or live lanes to drop off or pick up revellers.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected]