Police shut down illegal 2,000-strong illegal lockdown-busting rave and arrest more than 50 as organisers face £10,000 fines
More than 50 people have been arrested after police shut down a rave which was held on the picturesque South Downs in 'complete disregard' of Covid-19 regulations.
Sussex Police said that at its height up to 2,000 people were present at the 'large unlicensed music event' in Steyning, West Sussex, on Sunday.
The force said people were arrested on suspicion of offences including drink and drug-driving and possession of drugs and theft, and have been taken into custody.
The number of arrests is expected to rise, making the incident 'one of the largest, unplanned operations Sussex Police has experienced in recent years', it added.
Police have arrested 23 people after swooping on an illegal rave taking place near Steyning in West Sussex last night and on Sunday morning
A 'large volume' of music equipment, including sound systems and speakers, was seized by officers and as a result eight individuals were identified as the organisers of the apparent rave and arrested.
Under coronavirus rules, gatherings must not exceed 30 people unless they are covered by a legal exemption.
Organisers of illegal gatherings can face fines of up to £10,000.
Sussex Police said it was made aware of the event, which drew a significant crowd from outside the area, in the early hours of Sunday and deployed officers in a bid to bring it to a 'safe conclusion'.
Pictures and video on social media appeared to show crowds dancing in a field in front of speakers pumping out music earlier on Sunday, while police said the event included a large number of vehicles and pedestrians near Bostal Road.
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More than 1,000 people are thought to have flocked to the rave, as pictures on social media showed crowds continuing to party in a field in front of speakers earlier on Sunday
Drone footage from the scene showed large numbers of vehicles lined up along country roads in the area.
Sussex Police said officers 'attempted to engage with those present, however were met with significant hostility'.
One officer was 'assaulted while attempting to detain an individual resisting arrest', the force said.
A police community support officer was being treated for a suspected broken arm following a collision involving a police car and a vehicle being driven by someone leaving the event.
The driver and passengers of the second vehicle were also taken to hospital as a precaution, police said.
A 20-year-old man from Redditch, Worcestershire, was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of both drink and drugs in relation to the collision.
A second collision with another police vehicle was reported at about 7pm, with the driver arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, dangerous driving and failing to provide a breath test.
Police issued a directive to leave the area at 5.45pm and by 7.15pm the event 'reached a conclusion'.
Various roads were shut as police dealt with the incident, and cars were being stopped by officers as they left the area to check that drivers were in a fit state to drive.
Police urged people to avoid the area on Sunday night, adding that officers would continue to proactively stop all vehicles leaving the area.
Detective Superintendent Juliet Parker said: 'Due to the mindless actions of a large number of people, the majority of whom have travelled from out of county, the community of Steyning has experienced significant disruption and I'd like to personally thank the public for their patience, understanding and co-operation as we sought to bring this event to a close.
'With a situation of this size, our utmost priority must be the safety of the public as well as our officers and emergency services colleagues at the scene.
Organisers of the apparent rave, which drew a significant crowd thought to have travelled from outside Sussex, could face £10,000 fines as officers work to identify them
Sound and lighting systems were erected in the field last night as people continued to party in gazebos this morning and people still planning to go to the rave were warned not to attend
'This therefore has required a significant police response involving officers from across Sussex as well as officers from surrounding forces. Officers who would have normally been dealing with serious crime and supporting the most vulnerable in our counties.
'These individuals have demonstrated a complete disregard for the local community, the heritage of the area and the existing Covid-19 regulations.
'We will not tolerate behaviour like this within Sussex, as can be seen by the high volume of arrests made over the course of the event.
'We will continue to robustly investigate this illegal activity; seeking to further arrest and prosecute wherever possible.'
Various roads were shut as police dealt with the incident, and cars were being stopped by officers as they left the area to check that drivers were in a fit state to drive.
Emergency services attended the scene at 11.30am and least 23 people have been arrested on suspicion of offences including drink and drug-driving, possession of drugs and theft
Campers vans and tents have been pitched up on the side of the road and cars lined up on Bostal Road in Steyning near the illegal rave which was closed by police this morning
Drone footage shows the event's scale, with cars lining up the country road as a significant number of people at the rave are thought to have travelled from outside Sussex
Current coronavirus guidance limits gatherings to 30 people unless covered by legal exemption
Under coronavirus rules, gatherings must not exceed 30 people unless they are covered by a legal exemption.
Organisers of illegal gatherings of more than 50 people outdoors can face fines of up to £10,000.
Drone footage from the scene showed large numbers of vehicles lined up along country roads in the area, including on Bostal Road, near the event in Steyning this morning.
Campers vans and tents have been pitched up on the side of the road, which was closed by police this morning.
Earlier yesterday, Chief superintendent Nick May said: 'Our priority is ensuring the safety of the community and everyone in the vicinity.
'We have a significant number of officers at the scene working to bring the event to a safe and timely conclusion.
'This is an ongoing matter and we thank the public for their patience and cooperation at this time.'
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