Festival-goers will be searched by officers with sniffer dogs

Specialist police teams with sniffer dogs brought in from across the south will be patrolling the Matterley Bowl festival site near Winchester.

The sixth annual event began at 1300 BST on Saturday.

Hampshire Constabulary have said anyone supplying or using drugs will be excluded from the festival, even if the amount in possession "does not merit prosecution".

'Specific combat'

Earlier in the week, it was announced that a drugs amnesty is being offered to revellers.

Festival-goers are being given the chance to get rid of any drugs before entering the event without fear of prosecution.

Planning officer Sergeant Richard Rowledge said: "We want to continue the success of staging a safe and crime-free event.

"We want festival-goers to have a good time, but we would issue a warning that we will be specifically combating the use or supply of illegal drugs.

Last year, around 38,000 people attended the festival

"Hampshire constabulary's specialist sniffer dogs will be on patrol.

"They are trained to scan the air around people to detect if they are carrying controlled substances.

"Twelve dogs, including the force's two and others from Sussex, Kent and Surrey, will search festival-goers as they enter the site.

"Swift action will be taken against anyone found with illegal drugs and, in addition, they face being excluded from the event by the organiser.

"Amnesty bins will be provided prior to the festival entrance for people to dispose of anything without risk of prosecution or exclusion."

Noise hotline

Last year, about 38,000 people attended the event and 17 people were arrested on drug offences.

This year's policing operation will involve 400 officers and support staff.

They will be working closely with the Mean Fiddler Organisation, Winchester City Council and other emergency services.

Sergeant Rowledge said: "We want to reassure the communities of Winchester, Alresford and the surrounding villages that we will ensure visitors to the festival site come and go as directed, and the event runs smoothly."

A telephone hotline operated by Winchester City Council has been set up for residents experiencing problems with noise levels during the festival.