Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave shut down
Missiles Thrown at Police as Illegal Rave Shuts Down
As Dorset Police moved to disperse an unauthorized music event at a scenic location, participants hurled projectiles at officers. The incident occurred near East Lulworth and involved approximately 2,000 attendees, along with over 100 vehicles. Ten individuals were arrested during the operation, which spanned from Saturday evening into Sunday. Officers seized equipment and closed nearby roads to halt the gathering, addressing charges such as driving under the influence and assaulting an emergency worker.
“While responding to the incident, our officers came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception,” said Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne. “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.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick expressed gratitude for the community’s patience during the operation. “We would like to thank the local community for their understanding while the police and local agencies executed action plans to disperse the event,” he stated. “This has had a notable impact on residents and visitors, and authorities acted swiftly and proportionately as soon as feasible.”
Historical instances of similar unauthorized gatherings in Dorset include a May 2023 event at Corfe Castle, which continued past the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. In April 2022, another illegal rave near East Lulworth took place on military land, drawing about 1,000 attendees. A farmer’s fields were left in disarray after an April 2019 rave near Corfe Castle left them strewn with broken glass, human waste, and debris.
“We will not tolerate unlicensed music events because of the increased risks they present and the impact they have on our communities and those visiting the area,” added Sidwick.
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act empowers police to stop vehicles within five miles of a rave and direct them away. It also outlines regulations for gatherings exceeding 20 people listening to music at night, reinforcing measures to manage such events.