A FOURTH man has been arrested over alleged drug taking at the Bournemouth 7s Festival.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said this morning that the man, a 24-year-old from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs.

He has been bailed until mid-August.

The arrest comes after three other people were arrested over the incident on Monday.

They were a 19-year-old man, of no fixed abode, who was held on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, while a 17-year-old boy from Bournemouth and a 22-year-old man from New Milton were both quizzed on suspicion of possessing drugs.

All three were released on police bail pending further enquiries until July.

Police also confirmed on Tuesday that 11 people in total were treated for the side effects of the drug use by Red Cross volunteers over the weekend.

Security was stepped up at the festival after eight people were treated for apparent illegal drug use over the weekend.

The group received medical treatment, with at least one person taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Their condition was not thought to be life-threatening.

The sold-out festival took place at Chapel Gate over Bank Holiday weekend, and was expected to attract more than 30,000 people.

Festival owner, Roger Woodall, CEO of Bournemouth 7s, said: “My team and I worked tirelessly to deliver a festival that was safe for all attendees.

“On the evening of Saturday May 23, we were made aware of a small number of instances relating to suspected illegal drug taking.

“We worked closely with Dorset Police to identify and investigate the source of the suspected drug supply on site which resulted in four people being taken to hospital.

“We understand from what we’ve been told by our on-site healthcare provider, the British Red Cross, that all four of these people were released more or less immediately following treatment and observations.

“We operate very strict door control with bags and ID checked on arrival. Following the incidents we enhanced the searching and security measures to detect any persons bringing or attempting to bring in drugs to our festival.

“We also monitored the approaches to the festival site in cooperation with the police.

“We will not tolerate any drug use whatsoever at our event which remains firmly focused on providing a safe, fun and sports themed entertainment for our guests."

“Our main aim is to maintain the safety of all our guests.”

Anyone with information about anyone having offered such substances at the event should contact Dorset Police on 101.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 23:472 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.