Police investigate sexual assault in Falls Festival mosh pit

Tasmanian Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault at the Falls Festival in Tasmania.

The investigations follow reports that a 19-year-old woman was assaulted by an unknown male in the mosh pit about 9:30pm on Friday during a set played by the band The Jungle Giants.

The incident comes after last year's event at Marion Bay was marred by two reports of sexual assault in the mosh pit, and one of rape in the camping area.

As a result, plain-clothed and uniformed police had been stationed in the mosh pit to stop a repeat of last year's incidents.

In a statement, Detective Constable McVilly said Tasmanian Police and event organisers condemned the behaviour, advising “the key message here is that although the mosh pit itself is designed for close contact, any form of touching without the other person's consent is not OK.”

He urged people to stay with friends and seek help if feeling unsafe, adding "we want patrons to feel safe and enjoy the event so we urge anyone witnessing this kind behaviour to report it immediately.”

Stickers reading "enjoy the festival, don't assault anyone" have been posted around the festival including on the back of toilet doors.

Image: Falls Festival Marion Bay (top) and a warning to festival goers (below).

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