Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave shut down
Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave shut down
During a recent crackdown on an unauthorized music gathering, Dorset Police encountered a barrage of projectiles as they sought to disperse the crowd. The event, held near East Lulworth, attracted approximately 2,000 attendees and over 100 vehicles. Officers were deployed from Saturday evening until Sunday to dismantle the rave, facing resistance from participants who hurled objects at them.
Authorities seized equipment and cordoned off nearby roads during the operation. Arrests were made for various offenses, including driving under the influence and assaulting an emergency worker. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne emphasized the confrontation, stating:
“While responding to the incident, our officers came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception.”
He added that violence directed at police and communities is unacceptable, underscoring the need for decisive action to safeguard public safety.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick praised the collaboration between agencies, noting:
“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.”
He highlighted the event’s disruption to residents and visitors, affirming that swift and proportional measures were taken using available powers.
Past Illegal Raves in Dorset
Similar unauthorized gatherings have occurred in the region before. In May 2023, a rave at Corfe Castle lasted through the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, with officers still removing revellers on Monday morning. Earlier, in April 2022, an illegal event in East Lulworth took place on military land, involving around 1,000 attendees. A field near Corfe Castle was left in disarray after an April 2019 rave, covered in broken glass, human waste, and debris.
Legal Framework for Dispersal
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act grants police authority to stop vehicles within five miles of a rave and prevent entry. It also targets nighttime gatherings of more than 20 people, ensuring enforcement against unlicensed events that disrupt local areas.
