Dorset police disperse illegal rave, 11 arrested in clashes

Police clashed with around 2,000 attendees at an illegal rave near East Lulworth in Dorset, England, over the Easter weekend, leading to 11 arrests and formal complaints about the use of force by officers. The unlicensed gathering, which drew more than 100 vehicles to a field close to the scenic Lulworth Cove, began late on Saturday, April 4, prompting Dorset Police to intervene around 11:45 p.m. and work through to Sunday evening to disperse the crowd.

Officers, some equipped with riot gear and shields, moved in to seize sound equipment and close nearby roads under powers granted by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. The law allows police to halt vehicles within five miles of such events and target gatherings of 20 or more people playing music at night. Dorset Police reported that officers faced a violent reception, including attacks with missiles from the crowd, as they worked to end the disruption to local residents and visitors.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Lyne described the response, stating, "While responding to the incident, our officers came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception. Violence in our communities and against our...