Missiles thrown at Dorset Police as East Lulworth rave halted

Police faced missiles being hurled at them while attempting to shut down an illegal rave held at a scenic location near East Lulworth in Dorset. The event attracted roughly 2,000 attendees and involved over 100 vehicles, according to Dorset Police. The party was reported late on Saturday night around 23:45 BST, with officers working until Sunday evening to dismantle the gathering amidst a hostile atmosphere.

During their efforts, the police encountered aggressive behavior and objects thrown at them, which complicated the operation. Several arrests were made, totaling 11 individuals, charged with offenses such as driving under the influence and assaulting emergency personnel. Law enforcement also seized equipment used during the event and temporarily closed surrounding roads to prevent further access and maintain safety.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “While responding to the incident, our officers came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception.” He added, “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.” Police are currently reviewing evidence from the event to identify any additional offenses.

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick expressed gratitude towards the local community for their patience during the police intervention. He remarked, “This has had a significant impact on residents and visitors and the authorities took swift, proportionate action, using powers available to them, as soon as it was possible.” Moreover, he thanked all law enforcement officers involved in the operation, including those from outside Dorset, highlighting that the authorities will not tolerate unlicensed music events due to the risks posed to communities and visitors alike. Notably, similar illegal raves have occurred previously in Dorset, including a large event at Corfe Castle in May 2023 and another in East Lulworth in April 2022 held on military land

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