Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave shut down
Missiles Thrown at Police During Illegal Rave Closure
Officers from Dorset Police faced resistance as they dismantled an unauthorized music gathering at a scenic location. The event, which attracted roughly 2,000 individuals and over 100 vehicles, led to 10 arrests. The incident began around 11:45 PM BST on Saturday and continued until Sunday evening, when authorities successfully shut it down.
During the operation, police seized equipment and blocked nearby roads. Attendees hurled objects at officers, prompting a violent confrontation. Charges included driving under the influence and assaulting emergency personnel. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne commented:
“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.”
Previous Illegal Raves in Dorset
Dorset has seen similar unauthorized parties in recent years. In May 2023, a gathering at Corfe Castle started on the Saturday evening of the Spring Bank Holiday, with officers still clearing over 1,500 participants on Monday morning. Earlier in April 2022, an event near East Lulworth on military land involved around 1,000 attendees. In April 2019, a farmer’s field near Corfe Castle was left in disarray after the rave left it strewn with broken glass, human waste, and debris.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick stated:
“We would like to thank the local community for their understanding while the police and local agencies implemented 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.”
Legal Framework for Dispersing Unauthorized Events
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act grants police the authority to halt vehicles within five miles of a gathering and direct them away. It also establishes guidelines for gatherings exceeding 20 people who listen to music during nighttime hours. The act enables swift interventions to manage disturbances and safeguard public safety.
