Dorset Police are searching for a woman and five men after officers were assaulted and pelted with bottles while attempting to shut down an illegal rave. Approximately 2,000 people attended the unauthorized event in a field at East Lulworth, which continued from Saturday, April 4, into Sunday, April 5. Local residents reported being disturbed by loud music throughout the night.
Officers in riot gear responded to the rave and were met with a "violent and hostile" crowd. As police attempted to break up the event, several officers were assaulted, and projectiles, including bottles, were thrown at them. The music equipment used at the rave was subsequently seized.
Eleven individuals were arrested at the scene on various charges, including violent disorder, assaulting an emergency worker, and possession of Class A drugs. Among those arrested was a man in his 30s from Bedfordshire, who was taken into custody on suspicion of violent disorder and possessing a Class A drug. He has since been released on police bail.
Three other men—one in his 20s from Bridgwater, another in his 20s from Pembrokeshire, and a third in his 30s from Poole—were also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and remain on police bail. Seven additional arrests were made for driving offenses, and those individuals have been released under investigation pending further inquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector George Graham stated that an extensive investigation, including the review of substantial footage from the event, has been conducted. "We are now in a position to release images of six individuals we would like to identify in connection with this matter and I would urge anyone who recognises them to please make contact with us," Graham said. "We take reports of assaults on our officers very seriously and will explore all available lines of enquiry to ensure those who are reportedly involved are identified and held to account."
