Illegal Raves Shut Down By Police On Final Saturday Before Lockdown

A spate of illegal raves across England were shut down on Saturday night as people looked to try and party on the final weekend, before a second national lockdown begins on Thursday.

At Yate, outside of Bristol, crowds turned violent as Avon and Somerset Police turned up to seize equipment and disperse the crowds, with around 500 people found holding a rave in a warehouse.

When revellers turned violent, the police used rave legislation to force people to leave the event or face arrest.

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The incident was summarised on the regional police force's Twitter, as they confirmed: "Shortly after 10.30pm we were alerted to an illegal rave taking place in a warehouse in Yate. Officers are on the scene."

Adding that a 'drone unit' was involved in the operation to disperse the crowds, the account initially reported 250 people being in attendance but revised it to '400-500'.

They then added: "Members of the public have been violent towards officers. Rave legislation has been used, which means that people should leave the area, or will be liable to arrest."

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Meanwhile in Wigan, Greater Manchester have released a press statement about a large rave that took place there last night, despite the area already being in Tier 3 lockdown. The statement confirmed that around 300 people had gathered in an area of land west of the town's Rindle Road and north of Astley Road.

There were two arrests at the event, while seven police vehicles had their tyres slashed as many of the crowd hastily left the event on foot.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: "This event was unacceptable and a blatant disregard of, not only restrictions for COVID-19 and the safety of others, but also the safety of those present as we saw serious examples over the summer period of the dangers posed by attending such events."

Potts, who also said that a machete had been found on-site, issued a warning.

He commented: "To those thinking of attending these events and those willing to drop their children off at these illegal gatherings; while many may attend to have a good time, not everyone goes with the same intentions.

"As well as being illegal, these events are not safe and the fact a machete was recovered from the site of this event is a worrying but important reminder that this very much remains the case."

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Those organising illegal raves can be fined up to £10,000 while those attending can also be in the pocket to the tune of £100.

Elsewhere, a large gathering at a Sussex University campus was also broken up on Saturday night, according to eye witness reports on social media.

One social media user commented: "Meanwhile At Sussex Uni campus, where we know has been large police presence due to gatherings this evening lots of social distancing is taking place. What hope have we got?"

Simon Catling