Festival boss: 'We work hard on safety'

The organiser of Latitude has spoken out against festival safety critics following two alleged rapes at the event earlier in July.

Melvin Benn said that he "resents" the way the media have claimed that festivals are "unsafe places".

He told BBC News: "There are two allegations. I do resent the way the press have made it out as being that somehow these are suddenly unsafe places to be. If rape took place it's horrific. I think we work very hard on safety.

"Festivals are made up of an incredible amount of like-minded people who offer great support to each other."

Benn, who also runs Reading and Leeds festivals, added that his company would "provide additional information, guidelines and support, particularly for young women under 18".