Victims of an alleged music festival ticket fraud are being urged to come forward by Sussex Police.
The force said: “Police are trying to identify people who may have been victims of a fraud in relation to the sale of the Isle of Wight Bestival event tickets.
“The matter came to light a few days before the Bestival event on the Isle of Wight was due to start on Thursday (10 September) when a number of people from Brighton reported that they had paid for tickets but had not received them.
“So far, more than 60 complaints have been received by Sussex Police.”
“An 18-year-old man from Brighton has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation by police investigating complaints about non-supply of paid for music festival tickets.
“The man has been questioned and bailed to return on (Tuesday) 10 November.”
In response to a public Facebook group called Stresstival, Ben Hyland-Ward left a post on Tuesday 8 September.
It said: “I am working with the police to sort this out. In the next few days a way to refund everyone will be worked out and I will private message all of you individually to sort this out.
“I would like to give a huge apology to everyone as well. I am not asking for sympathy but it has been a horrible 24 hours and I have had some full death threats and I am in real danger.
“Everybody will be sorted out and refunded completely. This is a horrid situation and not one I would ever want to be in ever again.
“Joe Walker isn’t involved as he was only selling them for me as a favour so please just message me directly.
“I will try to sort everyone out as soon as possible. I wanted to get in touch with everyone last night but I had too much going on and had no chance to do so.”
Sussex Police is asking victims to fill out an online report. For details, click here.
Victims can also phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.
