Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave shut down
Missiles Thrown at Police During Illegal Rave Disbandment
Dorset Police encountered resistance from attendees as they dismantled an unauthorized rave at a picturesque site. The gathering, which drew approximately 2,000 participants and over 100 vehicles, led to 10 arrests. Officers began responding to the event around 23:45 BST on Saturday and continued their efforts until Sunday evening, facing a barrage of thrown objects during the operation.
The authorities confiscated equipment and closed nearby roads to manage the event. Arrests were made for offenses such as driving under the influence and assaulting an emergency worker. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne remarked:
“While addressing the incident, our officers were targeted with missiles and confronted with aggressive behavior. Violence directed at our personnel and within communities will not be accepted. These events, though illegal, disrupt local areas significantly. We must act decisively to protect public safety, and it is unacceptable that such hostility occurs during our response.”
Historical Context of Unauthorized Raves in Dorset
Similar events have occurred in Dorset over the years. In May 2023, a large gathering at Corfe Castle started on the Saturday evening of the Spring Bank Holiday, with police still removing attendees on Monday morning. A similar incident in April 2022 took place in East Lulworth, held on military land, involving around 1,000 participants. In April 2019, an illegal rave near Corfe Castle left a farmer’s fields in a state of disrepair, covered in broken glass, waste, and human excrement.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick stated:
“We appreciate the local community’s patience as we executed plans to disperse the event. This disruption affected both residents and visitors, and we acted quickly and fairly as soon as possible. Gratitude goes to all involved in the operation, including officers from Dorset Police and other regions, for achieving a safe resolution.”
Legal Powers to Combat Unauthorized Events
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act empowers law enforcement to halt vehicles within five miles of a rave and redirect them. It also mandates rules against gatherings of 20 or more people enjoying music at night, aiming to curb the risks these events pose to communities and visitors.
