Dorset Police are seeking to identify six individuals, one woman and five men, following an incident at an illegal rave where officers faced a "violent and hostile" crowd.
Approximately 2,000 people attended the unauthorized music event, held in a field at East Lulworth, Dorset, which prompted complaints from local residents about noise disruptions throughout Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5. Officers in riot gear were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, law enforcement was met with aggression, and objects, including bottles, were thrown at them. Some officers sustained assaults during the operation.
As a result of the event, eleven arrests were made for various offenses, 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 drug possession; he remains 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 arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and are also on police bail.
In addition to the arrests for disorder and assault, seven further arrests were made for driving offenses. These individuals have been released under investigation as inquiries continue. The music equipment used at the unauthorized event was seized by police.
Detective Chief Inspector George Graham stated that a thorough investigation, including the review of substantial footage from the event, is underway. "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," Graham said. Police have released images of the six individuals they wish to identify and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
