Missiles thrown at police as illegal rave shut down
Missiles Thrown at Police During Illegal Rave Shutdown
During a recent operation to disperse an unauthorized rave at a picturesque location, police encountered resistance from attendees who hurled projectiles at officers. The event, held near East Lulworth, attracted approximately 2,000 individuals and over 100 vehicles, prompting Dorset Police to conduct a sustained effort to close it down. By Sunday evening, the force had made 10 arrests, addressing charges such as driving under the influence and assaulting emergency personnel.
Hostile Encounters and Enforcement Actions
Officers faced a tumultuous response as they attempted to shut down the gathering. According to Dorset Police, the raid began around 11:45 PM on Saturday, with teams working continuously until late Sunday. During the operation, police confiscated equipment and restricted traffic in the surrounding area. The hostile environment included thrown objects, which disrupted the process and highlighted the intensity of the confrontation.
“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 significant disruption; we must respond to ensure the safety of everyone, and it is unacceptable that we are faced with violence while doing so.”
Community Impact and Legal Powers
Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick acknowledged the challenges posed by the event, stating, “We would like to thank the local community for their understanding while the police and local agencies executed dispersal strategies. This has impacted residents and visitors, and authorities took swift, proportionate action as soon as possible.” He emphasized the necessity of enforcing laws against unlicensed music events, citing the risks they pose to public order and community well-being.
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act equips law enforcement with the authority to stop vehicles within five miles of a rave and prevent them from participating. It also targets gatherings of more than 20 people engaging in nighttime music events, providing a legal basis for intervention.
Historical Context of Illegal Raves
Similar unauthorized events have occurred in Dorset in recent years. In May 2023, a large rave at Corfe Castle drew 1,500 participants, with officers still removing revellers on Monday morning. A year earlier, an illegal rave in April 2022 took place in the same area on military land, involving around 1,000 attendees. In April 2019, a farmer’s field near Corfe Castle was left in disarray after the event, covered in broken glass, waste, and human excrement.
