Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave shut down

Missiles Thrown at Officers During Illegal Rave Dispersal

During a crackdown on an unauthorised rave at a scenic location, police were pelted with projectiles as they sought to dismantle the event. Dorset Police confirmed ten arrests at the scene, which attracted approximately 2,000 attendees and over 100 vehicles. The gathering was initially reported around 23:45 BST on Saturday and continued until late Sunday evening, prompting officers to deploy for several hours to disband it.

The force stated that responders encountered resistance, with thrown objects used as weapons against personnel. Officers confiscated equipment and sealed adjacent roads to manage the disruption. Among those arrested were individuals charged with driving under the influence and assaulting emergency staff. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne remarked:

“While responding to the incident, our officers were subjected to attacks from projectiles and faced a hostile environment. Violence in our communities and directed at our personnel will not be tolerated. These events, though illegal, disrupt local areas significantly, and we must act decisively to safeguard all individuals.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick expressed gratitude to the community for their patience during the operation. He noted:

“We appreciate the public’s support as authorities executed plans to disperse the gathering. The event had a notable effect on residents and visitors, and swift, measured action was taken immediately upon its detection. I extend thanks to all participants in this operation, including Dorset Police and other national agencies, who contributed to a safe resolution.”

Historical Context of Illegal Raves in Dorset

Previous instances of unlicensed music events in the region include a 2023 gathering at Corfe Castle, which began on the Saturday of Spring Bank Holiday and extended into Monday morning. In 2022, an illegal rave in East Lulworth, held on military property, involved around 1,000 participants. Similarly, an event near Corfe Castle in 2019 left a farmer’s field in disarray, covered with shattered glass, waste, and human excrement.

The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act empowers law enforcement to halt vehicles within five miles of such gatherings and enforce their removal. The legislation also imposes restrictions on gatherings exceeding 20 people engaging in nocturnal music events, highlighting the regulatory framework used to address these occurrences.