Police take nearly 24 hours to shut down illegal Dorset rave

Multiple arrests were made when riot police clashed with partygoers at an illegal rave over the weekend.

It took police almost 24 hours to shut down the unauthorised music event near East Lulworth, Dorset, which was attended by around 2,000 people.

Officers came under missile fire and "faced a violent and hostile reception", Dorset Police said.

Ten arrests were made for offences including driving while under the influence and assaulting an emergency worker.

More than 100 vehicles were also in the area.

The incident was first reported to police at around 11.45pm on Saturday 4 April.

Officers "worked tirelessly throughout the day and into the evening" to disperse the crowds, Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne said.

He added: "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.

"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.

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"We will continue now to review evidence from the scene to identify any further offences committed and detailed enquiries will be carried out."

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick thanked the local community for their "understanding", adding that it had a "significant impact on residents".

He said: "I would like to thank everyone who was involved in this policing operation, including officers from Dorset Police and elsewhere across the country, who worked together to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

"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."

The scenes had echoes of Easter weekend in 2022, when another rave near East Lulworth took police 21 hours to disperse.

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