In the Moroccan capital of Rabat, a stampede has left at least 11 people dead, including five women, four men and two children, reports say.

Saturday night's stampede left 40 others injured when a wire fence collapsed under pressure of hurrying spectators trying to leave the 8th Mawazine (Rhythms) Festival, local news agencies reported.

This year some 70,000 people attended the wrapping up event, packed into the Hay Nahda stadium, to watch national and international stars.

The annual weeklong event, backed by King Mohamed, was introduced in 2001, and has been described by analysts as an attempt to promote a modern image of the North African nation's and boost tourism.

ZHD/MD