MORE than 15,000 people attended Dewsbury’s Festival in the Park last weekend but the two-day event was marred by violence.
Many parents who were at Crow Nest Park with young children left as fighting broke out on Sunday.
The Press understands that police are investigating a suspected rape after Saturday night’s Magic of Motown concert.
Officers have been interviewing the alleged victim, a 27-year-old woman, who claims she was attacked in woods at around 10.15pm.
The Press also understands that a 16-year-old white youth needed hospital treatment for a broken jaw after white and Asian groups clashed.
A man was also attacked by two others as he watched the show with family and friends.
Parents were left shocked at the violence and one mum, Liz Stead, of Mirfield, said: “Yet again Dewsbury let itself down with the mindless violence that went on during the day.
“At one point there were at least 20 to 30 people fighting in front of the many children, including my own, who made me and many others leave.
“When the band on stage actually stops playing and asks people to stop fighting you know it’s time to go.”
The main concert on Sunday was headlined by chart stars Gabriella Cilmi and Eliza Doolittle but featured local bands including Dewsbury’s Champagne for Enemies, Thornhill rockers Hand Made Hands and Full Girth Explosion.
A mum who asked not to be named, said: “It was disgusting. We’ve had Party in the Park for two years now but this will be all the excuse Kirklees needs to take it back to Huddersfield.
“Why do people behave like this? I didn’t want my children to go.”
It is understood the Saturday concert, attended mainly by older people, passed off peacefully.
But police later received a complaint of rape and the Homicide and Major Enquiries Team was called in and the scene cordoned off.
Police have not revealed further details over the alleged rape but confirmed that two separate fights broke out on Sunday night as the event came to a  close.
Police said a 16-year-old boy sustained “minor facial injuries” in one scuffle while another youth, also 16, suffered a hand injury.
Six youths, aged 14 to 17, were arrested for public order offences and were released on bail pending further inquiries.
It is thought that one of the fights was prompted by continuing fall-out from a row at a Dewsbury school last week.
Insp Jenny Thompson, of Dewsbury police, said: “We were prepared for the possibility of trouble and had enough officers to deal with the it.
“The incidents were dealt with quickly.”
A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “In the main, we consider that the event was a huge success.
“Crowd safety is our absolute priority
“It is, however, extremely disappointing that the behaviour of a small minority of concert-goers made some families feel uncomfortable and prompted them to leave the park.
“We will take these incidents into consideration when planning future activities and events.”