Community leaders today condemned yobs who forced the early closure of Bradford's showpiece Mela festival.

After two days of carnival atmosphere at the Peel Park event, attended by an estimated 100,000 people, the organisers took a joint decision with police to end the Mela early after youths threw missiles at the main music stage.

Mounted police officers were brought in to clear the park after they hurled abuse at headline bhangra band the Sahotas and officers in riot gear were needed to patrol Cliffe Road after gangs of youths taunted motorists and caused a nuisance.

Eleven people were arrested for public order offences.

But police said today the incident marred what had been an otherwise successful policing operation - with fewer reported crime incidents than at previous Mela events.

Today Councillor Intkhab Alam (Cons, Undercliffe), said the yobs had ended the Mela on a sour note after two days of enjoyment.

He said: "The Mela is put on for the community of Bradford and for people to ruin it by throwing stuff at the artists is a disgrace. But there are always one or two people who spoil it for the rest. It's completely wrong what they did.

"People had come from all over England to enjoy themselves. The Mela should have ended on a positive note with people enjoying themselves instead of the tragedy of people throwing things at the stage."

A police spokesman said: "Yesterday, a small section of the crowd attending the music arena began abusing those performing on stage, using obscene language and throwing missiles.

"In conjunction with police, event organisers decided to close the stage earlier than planned. The festival was then wound down by organisers, with assistance from police.

"Large groups of youths gathered in Cliffe Road were obstructing traffic and causing a nuisance.

"Officers in protective equipment dispersed the crowd after more missiles were thrown. No injuries were reported."

He added: "Several thousand people enjoyed the attractions and the policing was mainly low profile, especially on Saturday when no arrests were made. During both days, the vast majority of those attending were well behaved.

"Reported crime at the Mela was extremely low compared with previous years. There were four car-related offences, and one youth arrested for possession of an offensive weapon."