Dorset Police accused of using 'unethical' force at illegal rave

Police efforts to break up an illegal rave held at a scenic location in Dorset have been called into question by one attendee, who described the authorities’ actions as “unethical” and unnecessarily violent. Zak Hanman, from Swindon, told the BBC that the gathering was initially peaceful, but claimed police began “attacking” people despite no aggression being directed towards them.

Hanman, who emphasized that he was completely sober and did not partake in drugs or alcohol during the event, challenged the police’s justification for their approach. He described scenes where officers were “dragging people to the floor, hitting them, attacking them when no violence was presented towards them,” adding that the force used was “unhuman-like” and unjustified. While he acknowledged that some partygoers did become violent, throwing objects at officers, he insisted this occurred only after police had initiated force.

In response, Dorset Police defended their actions, stating they took “appropriate and proportionate action” to bring the event, which involved roughly 2,000 people and more than 100 vehicles, to a safe end. They highlighted that officers faced a “violent and hostile reception” and came under attack with missiles, emphasizing their zero-tolerance stance on violence against the force or within local communities. The illegal rave reportedly began late on Saturday night and required police presence into Sunday evening to disperse.

David Sidwick, Dorset’s police and crime commissioner, also spoke to the BBC, affirming that the police were right to intervene robustly. He confirmed that the force initially attempted to shut down the event peacefully but faced an “intense assault with bottles,” resulting in charges, including assaulting an emergency worker. Sidwick underscored the significant disturbance caused to nearby residents, noting the music could be “heard for miles” and people were distressed by the disorderly behavior. He expressed confidence that a review would uphold the proportional nature of the police response

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