Chaos in pretty UK village as riot police attacked with missiles in violent clashes | UK | News

British police in riot gear faced missile attacks while dispersing an illegal rave with 2,000 attendees. One police officer was assaulted by the “violent and hostile” crowd following the 24 hour party in a field in East Lulworth, Dorset.

Police had been keeping an eye on the large group of trespassers who flooded the tranquil village late Saturday night, April 4, and instructed them to leave, but their warnings were ignored. Last night, April 5, officers in riot gear alongside cops from neighbouring forces, stepped in to disperse the crowd and seize audio equipment under section 64 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Calling the behaviour “unacceptable” Dorset Police said these illegal events “cause a significant disruption to communities”.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police confirmed the unauthorised rave was now over.

They said: “We have successfully dispersed an unauthorised music event near East Lulworth following robust intervention by officers.

“The incident was first reported to us at around 11.45pm on Saturday. It is believed that around 2,000 people were in attendance, with in excess of 100 vehicles present in the area.

“We remained on-site and worked tirelessly throughout the day and into the evening to ensure the event was brought to a safe conclusion.

“We took proactive and robust action resulting in Dorset Police seizing equipment under section 64 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

“While responding to the incident, our officers came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception.

“Violence in our communities and against our officers will not be tolerated.

“In addition, we have made 10 arrests for offences including driving while under the influence and assaulting an emergency worker.

“Officers from Dorset Police were joined by officers from forces across the country and we are grateful to everyone involved for helping to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.”

They added: “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.”

Resident Jennifer Hyde said she “was woken up at 5am by the noise, especially the thumping bass that went on until about 7am this morning” and was left with a headache.

She added: “It is not what I expected on Easter Sunday and I cannot comprehend what pleasure is gained by those who organise such events.

“They have absolutely no consideration for others or respect for the law and are utterly selfish.”

Mrs Lickiss, of East Stoke, lives around 200 yards away from the rave site, said helicopters were deployed by the police to patrol the area from above leaving her horses distressed.

She said: “Obviously, it’s happened before, so we sort of knew then what was going on.

“But, we’ve got two horses that are in stables and went to check on them – there were police helicopters flying around, you could hear people shouting, going up and down the roads – and they were going round and round in their stable, wild eyed and sweating.”