Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave halted
Illegal Rave Disrupted by Police, Leaving 10 Arrests
During a late-night operation, Dorset Police encountered resistance from rave attendees as they attempted to close down an unauthorized gathering at a scenic location. The event, which began around 11:45 PM on Saturday, drew crowds of roughly 2,000 and involved over 100 vehicles. Officers worked continuously through the weekend to dismantle the rave, facing a barrage of thrown objects during the process.
Hostile Encounters and Legal Measures
According to the police, the raid led to arrests for offenses such as operating under the influence and assaulting emergency personnel. During the crackdown, authorities confiscated equipment and blocked nearby roads. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne emphasized the challenges faced: “Our officers were hit with missiles and met with violent opposition while addressing the incident. Violence directed at police and within communities is unacceptable, and we must act to protect public safety.”
“We will not tolerate unlicensed music events due to their risks and community impact,” stated David Sidwick, Police and Crime Commissioner. “The authorities acted swiftly and proportionately, leveraging available powers to ensure the event’s dispersal.”
Historical Incidents in the Area
Earlier unauthorized raves in Dorset have similarly disrupted local areas. In May 2023, a gathering at Corfe Castle required officers to remove over 1,500 revelers by Monday morning. A similar event in April 2022 took place in East Lulworth, held on military property. Damage to a farmer’s field near Corfe Castle in April 2019 left it covered in glass, waste, and human refuse.
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act enables police to stop vehicles within five miles of a rave and prevent them from continuing. It also mandates regulations for nighttime gatherings exceeding 20 people. These legal tools have been crucial in addressing repeated instances of illegal events in the region.
