Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave halted
Missiles Thrown at Police as Illegal Rave Halted
Authorities in Dorset faced resistance from attendees during their efforts to end an unauthorized music event at a scenic location. The incident, which began around 23:45 BST on Saturday near East Lulworth, attracted approximately 2,000 participants and over 100 vehicles. Dorset Police confirmed 10 arrests as part of the operation, which lasted through Sunday evening. Officers reported being hit by projectiles and encountering a hostile environment as they took steps to close the event.
During the dispersal, police confiscated equipment and sealed nearby roads. Among those arrested were individuals charged with driving under the influence and assaulting emergency personnel. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne emphasized the challenges faced:
“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.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick acknowledged the disruption caused to local residents and visitors.
“We would like to thank the local community for their understanding while the police and local agencies executed action plans to disperse the event. This has had a significant impact on the area, and authorities acted swiftly and proportionately as soon as possible.”
He also praised the collaboration among officers and agencies involved in the operation, stressing the need to address unlicensed events due to their risks and community impact.
Historical Context of Illegal Raves
Dorset has seen several similar gatherings in recent years. In April 2019, an illegal rave near Corfe Castle left a farmer’s fields in a state of disarray, covered in broken glass, human waste, and litter. A year later, in April 2022, police intervened at another event in East Lulworth, which took place on military land and drew around 1,000 people. The most recent such event occurred in May 2023 at Corfe Castle, where officers were still removing attendees on Monday morning after the event started on the Saturday evening of the Spring Bank Holiday.
Legal Powers to Disperse Events
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act provides police with the authority to stop vehicles within five miles of a gathering and prevent them from entering. The legislation also targets nighttime events with more than 20 people, enabling authorities to manage disturbances effectively. These powers were utilized during the recent operation to ensure public safety and enforce legal compliance.
