Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave halted
Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave halted
Dorset Police faced resistance from attendees as they moved to close an unauthorized rave at a scenic location. The event, which attracted around 2,000 people and over 100 vehicles, led to 10 arrests. Officers reported being attacked with projectiles during their efforts to dismantle the gathering, which began around 23:45 BST on Saturday and continued through Sunday evening.
During the operation, law enforcement seized equipment and blocked nearby roads to manage the disruption. Arrests were made for offenses such as driving under the influence and assaulting emergency personnel. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne emphasized the severity of the situation, stating:
“While responding to the incident, our officers came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception. Violence in our communities and against our officers will not be tolerated. These types of events are illegal and cause a significant disruption to communities – we must respond to ensure the safety of everyone and it is unacceptable that we are faced with violence while doing so.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick acknowledged the community’s patience during the operation. He said:
“We would like to thank the local community for their understanding while the police and local agencies put in action plans to disperse the event. This has had a significant impact on residents and visitors, and the authorities took swift, proportionate action, using powers available to them as soon as it was possible. I would like to thank everyone involved in this policing operation, including officers from Dorset Police and elsewhere across the country, who worked together to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”
Previous illegal raves in Dorset
Similar unauthorized music events have occurred in the region before. In May 2023, a rave at Corfe Castle drew 1,500 attendees, with officers still removing revellers on Monday morning. Earlier in April 2022, another illegal rave involving approximately 1,000 people was held on military land in East Lulworth. A farmer’s fields near Corfe Castle were left in ruins in April 2019, covered in broken glass, human waste, and litter after the event.
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act grants police authority to stop vehicles within five miles of a rave and turn them away. It also targets gatherings of more than 20 people listening to music late at night, providing legal grounds for intervention. Authorities have consistently used these powers to address illegal raves, highlighting their role in maintaining public order and safety.