Greater Manchester Police are warning criminals away from coming to Parklife as they clamp down on drug and weapon searches with one man having already been arrested.

Yesterday afternoon, June 8, Parklife security staff and sharp-nosed drug detection dogs were carrying out searches of people arriving on the site.

In the course of these searches, a 24-year-old man was detained and a quantity of pills was recovered along with a knife.

Parklife 2023: All the road closures you need to know

Man was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs and for possession of a bladed article and was taken into police custody for questioning.

Parklife Sanctuary to provide 'safe space' to rest and wait during festival weekend

Superintendent Phil Spurgeon, one of the leads for the Parklife policing operation, said: "Our message to the criminals is quite simple: don't bother coming to Parklife. 

"We have a really robust police and partnership community safety operation for the festival, and the arrest and seizure yesterday demonstrates the vigilance of security staff, our thorough search procedures and our commitment to keeping people safe.

No ice cream this summer as shop unplugs freezer after energy bills hike

"Make no mistake, illegal items such as weapons and drugs can have fatal consequences. Our top priority this weekend is keeping people safe, and anyone caught trying to take such items into the festival will be robustly dealt with.

"I hope the genuine festival-goers are excited for the fantastic weekend ahead and I am confident the majority will enjoy the event responsibly and safely."

GMP are working closely with Parklife security staff to intercept and arrest anyone travelling to Parklife festival with criminal intentions.

If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk