Published
Mon, Jul 20, 2020, 13:50
- The event ran from Saturday night through Sunday lunchtime at former RAF airfield Charmy Down.
More than 3,000 people attended an illegal rave at a former RAF airfield near Bath, England, on Saturday.
The event ran from Saturday night through Sunday lunchtime at RAF Charmy Down, according to the Avon And Somerset Police report. The report adds that, despite being at the scene early, the police were unable to disperse the crowds due to low resources. When they closed off nearby roads, some ravers just abandoned their cars and continued on foot. Local residents in Bristol and Bath complained about the noise.
According to the UK government's current COVID-19 guidance, residents of England shouldn't socialise outdoors in large groups or attend "celebrations (such as parties) where it is difficult to maintain social distancing."
"It's frustrating that we are having to pull officers away from our 999 response to deal with the selfish actions of the organisers of this event and those attending it," Ian Wylie, Chief Superintendent Of Avon And Somerset Police, said. "They knew full well the disruption this would cause and the ongoing risk to public health of large gatherings due to COVID-19."
The police report confirms that the authorities seized five vehicles, a generator and other equipment. One person was arrested for failing to leave the site. An investigation is also underway to find and "take appropriate action" against the organisers of the event.
Illegal raves have been taking place up and down the UK in recent weeks. Back in June, two events in the Greater Manchester area resulted in three stabbings, one rape and a death from a suspected drug overdose.
Photo credit: BBC News