Ten people have been arrested in Norfolk, after police disrupted an illegal rave in Gillingham near Beccles on Sunday. Two vans containing audio equipment and mixing decks were also seized after officers were called to farmland off Yarmouth Road at about 12.35am.
More than 200 people were found in attendance with about 60 vehicles and officers worked to disrupt the event which was safely concluded by midday.
Seven men aged between 20 and 24 were arrested at the scene on suspicion of organising an unlicensed music event and were taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. One of the suspects was also arrested for taking a motor vehicle without the owners’ consent.
A further three people were arrested for offences relating to the incident. A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive through drugs while officers arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage after a fence was damaged by a vehicle. A 20-year-old woman was arrested in connection with assault after a man suffered minor injuries after being involved in a collision with a car. All suspects have been released on bail pending further enquiries until August.
Chief Supt Nick Dean, Norfolk County Policing Commander, said: “The action taken to prevent and disrupt these events falls in line with our zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed music events, which are potentially dangerous and cause unnecessary damage and disruption. Over the last few months we have seen an increase in these types of events and on every occasion we have taken a firm stance.
“We will continue to work in partnership with other agencies and this weekend’s action should send a clear message to organisers and people who attend that we will not tolerate such activity in the county.”
