Police hunting rave organisers

APOLICE investigation has been launched to find the organisers of a large illegal rave in Dorset.

Police were called to Wytch Farm in Corfe Castle at around 10.40pm on Saturday after reports of an unauthorised music event.

It is understood around 1,500 people along with 500 vehicles were at the event which disturbed residents across the area during Saturday night and Sunday. Police issued ravers with a direction to leave the area and remained on site yesterday.

The music was turned off at around 9.30pm on Sunday and police took control of the site.

An investigation has been launched to find the organisers of the event.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “Understandably, we have continued to receive calls from concerned and upset residents in relation to the noise levels coming from the event. I can now confirm that our officers have control of the site and the music has been turned off.

“I would like to reassure residents that we continue to work with our partner agencies to deal with the site and those who remain, to ensure we bring the event to a safe conclusion. We have had officers visibly at the location since the initial reports and officers will remain on the site until the area is clear, which is likely to be into Monday.

“I would like to thank those affected by this unlicensed event for their patience. Police officers gave a direction for people to leave the scene earlier today using powers under the Public Order Act.

“However, due to the large-scale nature of the event and the impacts of dispersing those present, as well as minimising any risk to the wider public on our road networks, this can take some time.

“A criminal investigation has been launched to ensure those found to be responsible for organising such events are prosecuted. It is our priority that we ensure that unlicensed events such as these are brought to a safe conclusion and there is no further disruption in the local community.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank officers and staff from Dorset Police, as well as officers who have supported from other South West police forces, for their continued professionalism, hard work and public service, many of whom have been kept on duty working extended hours to protect the communities we serve.”