Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave halted

Missiles Thrown at Police During Illegal Rave Disruption

Dorset Police encountered resistance as they sought to end an unauthorized rave at a scenic location. The gathering, which attracted roughly 2,000 attendees and over 100 vehicles, was reported around 23:45 BST on Saturday. Officers worked through the night to dismantle the event, facing aggressive confrontations and being hit by thrown objects. Ten individuals were arrested during the operation, charged with offenses such as operating under the influence and assaulting emergency personnel.

“Our officers were subjected to attacks from missiles and met with a violent and hostile response while addressing the incident,” stated Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne. He emphasized that violence against police and within communities is not acceptable, noting that such events disrupt local areas and require decisive action to protect public safety.”

Following the event, police are examining collected evidence to uncover additional violations. Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick acknowledged the community’s patience during the operation, highlighting the substantial effect on local residents and visitors. “Authorities acted swiftly and proportionately, utilizing their available powers as soon as the situation became clear,” he said. Sidwick also praised the collaborative effort among officers and agencies to safely conclude the event, reiterating the intolerance for unlicensed music events due to their community impact.

Historical Context of Illegal Raves in Dorset

Similar unauthorized gatherings have occurred in Dorset in recent years. In May 2023, a rave at Corfe Castle began on the Spring Bank Holiday Saturday and continued into Monday morning, with police still clearing participants. Earlier, in April 2022, an illegal rave near East Lulworth on military land involved about 1,000 attendees. The 2019 event at Corfe Castle left a farmer’s fields in disarray, covered in broken glass, waste, and human excrement.

The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act empowers police to halt vehicles within five miles of a rave and redirect them. It also imposes regulations on nighttime music gatherings exceeding 20 attendees, aiming to control public disorder and mitigate risks to local areas.