A HEREFORD music festival was shut down early after an allegation of rape was made which was later withdrawn.

Police were called to the Wyeside Music Festival at around 11pm on Saturday (June 7) after a teenage girl reported having been raped.

Neil Tipton, police press officer, said: "Officers began an immediate investigation and, following consultation with the festival organizers, closed down the event around an hour early.

"This was due to the need to preserve potential evidence at the scene and allow an investigation to take place fully.

"After speaking to a number of parties who were at the festival, the complaint of rape was withdrawn on Sunday (June 8) and police are satisfied no further action is required."

He added that members of the public who attended the festival were thanked for their co-operation and understanding while the police were on site.