Illegal rave of 300 people in Huddersfield broken up as police called to 70 parties in Birmingham despite lockdown threat

An illegal rave involving some 300 people was broken up in Huddersfield overnight as police in Birmingham attended more than 70 unlicensed street and house parties.

Officers have responded to a surge in unlicensed music events in recent weeks amid warm weather and an easing of lockdown restrictions.

Fines of to £10,000 for those organising illegal raves in England will come into force on Friday as authorities clamp down on the unlawful gatherings.

West Yorkshire Police said officers were called to an illegal rave in Deighton, Huddersfield, on Saturday night.

"Approx 300 persons were present and missiles were thrown at officers," the force said on Twitter. "The music was quickly turned off and the attendees were dispersed met by applause from local residents."

Elsewhere, West Midlands Police shut down 125 parties and raves – including one of up to 600 people – in one weekend.

On Saturday, police said they were called to more than 70 unlawful gatherings and house parties in Birmingham, which has experienced a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

The force tweeted that they had dispersed dozens of parties, including one at Northfield which included two marquees and a DJ.

Earlier this week, hundreds of people congregated shoulder-to-shoulder at an unlicensed music event staged in a car park in the city.

Police released drone footage of the incident, and urged people not to attend the events to "help stop the spread of a killer virus".

Chief Superintendent Claire Bell from West Midlands Police said: "It’s important everyone realises the dangers of these illegal events.

"There is a danger to your own and loved ones health, but also from other criminal activity they may attract. You could end up seriously injured, ill or with a criminal record.

"We know how difficult it’s been with restrictions and we’ve always said we’ll try and engage and educate people around Government guidelines. But there can be no excuse for organising an illegal rave which then encourages and tempts others to attend.

"We’ll be seeking to not only seize equipment, but take enforcement action against those who arrange such events. We really need everyone to be responsible to help us get through this pandemic."

An illegal rave attended by more than 150 young people at Entwistle reservoir, between Blackburn and Bolton, was also broken up by police on Saturday.

Both areas have extra restrictions in place due to the pandemic.

The man who organised the event was arrested by officers and had his equipment taken off him, police said.

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods, of Lancashire Police, tweeted: "Disappointed to see illegal rave started at Entwistle reservoir overnight.

"Force resources mobilised & it was stopped quickly.

"Organiser identified at scene, arrested, his van & all sound/other equipment seized. 150 plus young people now off back to families to possibly pass virus on."

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health at Lancashire County Council, tweeted: “Unacceptable behaviour by organiser. 1000s of young people & households are sacrificing their freedom whilst a small minority behave irresponsibly. Please please avoid social mixing.

"Serious consequences to our health and economy if this leads to more cases."

The Metropolitan Police received information on more than 200 events across London in a single weekend, responding to more than 1,000 illegal events in the capital since the end of June.

Boris Johnson said that new fines were to be introduced for those hosting raves when he announced a further easing of England’s lockdown last week.

People facilitating or organising illegal raves, unlicensed music events or any other unlawful gathering of 30 people or more may face a £10,000 fine.

Participants can continue to be issued with fines of £100, while those who have already been fined will see the amount double on each offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "These gatherings are dangerous and those who organise them show a blatant disregard for the safety of others.

"I am pleased the police have already stepped up their response and I am giving them the tools they need to continue to keep us safe.

"We will continue to crack down on the small minority who think they are above the law."

Fines for not wearing face coverings where it is mandated are also set to double for repeat offenders from Friday, starting at £100 and doubling to a maximum of £3,200 for each repeat offence.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council has warned that forces in England and Wales will continue to increase patrols heading into the bank holiday weekend.

Areas of concern, such as Leicester and Greater Manchester, have seen deployments larger than on New Year’s Eve, it said.

Commander Ade Adelekan, lead for unlicensed music events, said: "These events are hosted without regard for the safety of those attending, and police have observed cases of anti-social behaviour, sales of drugs and gang activity.

"To the organisers of this sort of activity, I strongly advise that you seriously consider the risks you’re creating for everyone in attendance and the wider community.

"There is a risk of prosecution for those who organise these events and equipment will be seized."

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