Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave halted
Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave halted
During a late-night operation to disband an unauthorized rave, Dorset Police faced resistance from attendees who hurled objects at officers. The event, held near East Lulworth, attracted approximately 2,000 people and over 100 vehicles, prompting authorities to take action over the weekend. By Sunday evening, 10 individuals had been arrested for various offenses, including driving under the influence and assaulting emergency personnel.
Officers seized equipment and closed local roads to manage the gathering, which had been ongoing since around 23:45 BST on Saturday. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne emphasized the challenges faced: “Our officers were met with a violent and hostile reception, including attacks from thrown missiles. Violence against our personnel will not be tolerated.”
“These events cause significant disruption to communities and we must act to ensure public safety,” Lyne added. “It is unacceptable that violence occurs while we work to enforce the law.”
Past Illegal Raves in the Area
Dorset has seen similar unauthorized events in recent years. In April 2019, an illegal rave near Corfe Castle left a farmer’s field in ruins, covered in broken glass, waste, and human excrement. A year later, in April 2022, police dispersed a gathering of about 1,000 people on military land. The May 2023 incident at Corfe Castle, which began on the Saturday of Spring Bank Holiday, required officers to remove revellers as late as Monday morning.
Community and Legal Response
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick praised the community for their cooperation during the operation. “Authorities took swift and proportionate steps to address the situation, utilizing available powers to ensure compliance,” he stated. “We will not tolerate unlicensed music events due to the risks they pose and their effect on local areas.”
“Thank you to all officers and teams involved in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion,” Sidwick said. “The impact on residents and visitors was considerable, and our actions were necessary to maintain order.”
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act grants police the authority to stop vehicles within five miles of a rave and turn them away. It also targets gatherings of more than 20 people listening to music at night, enabling swift intervention to prevent further disturbances.
