Missiles Thrown at Police as Illegal Rave Halted

Officers encountered resistance as they moved to end an unauthorised music event at a scenic location. Dorset Police confirmed 10 individuals were apprehended during the gathering, which took place near East Lulworth and brought together approximately 2,000 people along with over 100 vehicles. The event began around 23:45 BST on Saturday, and police continued operations through Sunday evening to disperse the crowd.

During the crackdown, officers faced a barrage of thrown objects and were confronted with aggressive behaviour. They confiscated equipment and blocked nearby roads to manage the situation. Arrests were made for violations such as operating vehicles under the influence and assaulting emergency personnel.

“Our officers were targeted with missiles and endured a hostile environment while addressing the incident,” stated Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne. “Violence against police and within communities is unacceptable. These events disrupt local areas, and we must act decisively to protect public safety.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick praised the collaborative effort to disband the rave. “We appreciate the community’s patience during this operation,” he said. “The event significantly impacted residents and visitors, prompting swift and appropriate measures to ensure control was regained.”

Historical Context of Illegal Raves in Dorset

Dorset has seen similar incidents in recent years. In May 2023, a rave at Corfe Castle started on the Saturday of the Spring Bank Holiday and lasted until Monday morning, with over 1,500 revelers still being removed by police. A similar event in April 2022 occurred at East Lulworth, held on military land, and involved about 1,000 attendees.

Earlier in April 2019, an illegal rave near Corfe Castle left a farmer’s fields in ruins. The area was covered with shattered glass, human waste, and litter, rendering it unusable. These incidents highlight recurring challenges with unlicensed gatherings.

Legal Powers to Combat Unauthorized Events

The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act empowers police to intervene in such situations. Under this legislation, officers can stop vehicles within a five-mile radius of a rave and enforce rules against gatherings of more than 20 people listening to music at night. Authorities used these provisions to take decisive action during the latest event.