Eight arrests made at illegal farm rave in Suffolk

Eight people have been arrested after police closed down an illegal rave on farmland in East Anglia.

Suffolk Police were called just after 2.15am on Sunday 28 April to reports of a large gathering at a farm in the village of Barton Mills, near Bury St Edmunds.

More than 200 people and up to 100 vehicles were present at the unlicensed music event.

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Officers who attended the farm directed those present to leave under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 and by late morning, some had begun to disperse.

Just after 1pm, police took control of music equipment and were able to close down the illegal event. Several items of music and sound equipment were seized.

A section of the A11 had to be closed for a short time while the site was cleared.

Eight people were arrested on suspicion of various alleged offences, including conspiracy to commit public nuisance, drugs offences and failure to comply with a direction to leave.

Paramedics also attended the scene and one woman was taken to hospital for treatment to a suspected broken leg.

‘Considerable disruption’

Supt Matt Carney, from Suffolk Police, said enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the event and to identify all those involved in its planning.

“I would like to thank the landowner and the local community for their patience as we worked to close down this unlicensed music event as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.

“Unlicensed music events like this can cause a considerable amount of disruption, causing widespread damage to the natural environment as well.”

Anyone with information concerning the organisers of this illegal event is asked to contact Suffolk Police, quoting reference 23427/24, or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111, or via their online form www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

‘Stay vigilant’

Meanwhile, police are urging farmers to stay vigilant and look for the signs of people planning illegal parties on farms this coming May Day bank holiday weekend.

Any suspicious activity should be reported on 101, or call 999 if an event is taking place.

Empty warehouses or farm fields are favourite venues for illegal music events, which can attract thousands, and there is an increased likelihood of these occurring over bank holiday weekends.