Last updated 12:31, Saturday, 19 July 2008

FESTIVAL SITE: The field off Rakesmoor Lane, Barrow, where Furness Fest is taking place. REF: 0440827

VIOLENCE has marred the first night of Furness Fest.

Police say an officer was assaulted on the field at Sinkfall Farm, Rakesmoor Lane, Barrow, where the three-day music event is being held. 

He was on the main field just  before midnight last night trying to make an arrest after reports of an assault. Sergeant Steve Hodgson said today the officer had been head-butted carrying out his duty. 

Earlier, health and safety issues held up the launch of Barrow’s largest ever music festival.

But Barrow Borough Council officials told organisers they had to stop proceedings under health and safety regulations following complications with the festival’s ambulance provider.

By law, there must be two ambulances on the site at Sinkfall Farm at all times to provide first aid facilities for festival-goers. The festival was held up for three hours but the show went on after the issue was resolved.

Organiser Carl Hallows said: “Our original suppliers let us down and we had to stop everything until we could find the facilities, which took us about three hours in total.

“This meant we missed the allocated times for a couple of bands to go on stage, but it was just one of those last minute glitches, that’s all.

“Everything is now going ahead as planned. Panic over.”

Mr Hallows was able to locate replacement ambulances from Yorkshire, which will provide first aid facilities for the full three days of the festival.

More than 1,000 people are expected to flock to Furness Fest this weekend. The three-day music festival will feature local talent and international artists.

After the reported assaults three men in their early 20s were arrested. They were in custody today.