More than 500 illegal raves erupted across London in past month, police say as fears mount of more disorder this weekend

More than 500 illegal raves erupted across London in the past month, Scotland Yard has revealed.

It comes amid fears of further disorder this weekend.

The Met Police has vowed to continue to shut down the “dangerous” unlicensed music events and seize sound systems.

The force has been trying tackle the surge in street parties since Covid-19 lockdown measures have been eased.

In body-worn footage released on Friday, officers are seen being pelted with bottles and other objects at an illegal rave at an estate in Brixton, south London, on June 25.

Voices can be heard shouting “hold the line” and “missiles, missiles” at the street party, where police vehicles were smashed and 22 officers injured.

Police said information about more than 530 events across the capital has been received since the Brixton rave, with police responding to 23 a day.

Some 86 separate incidents were reported last Saturday alone, including an illegal rave at an estate in Finsbury Park, north London, where objects were again thrown at officers trying to disperse crowds.

Commander Ade Adelekan said: “There can be doubt that unlicensed music events are dangerous and highly disruptive for local communities.

“Communities caught in the middle of an event have a miserable time, with large crowds turning up at their estate and playing loud music and consuming alcohol, and at times, drugs and causing damage.

“The fear they create is totally unacceptable.”

He added: “What is of great concern to me is the very real risk that these events will result in violence.

“During previous events a small minority have targeted police officers with extreme violence, resulting in police officers being injured.

“We also have to remember that the country remains in a national health crisis.

“It is vitally important we all play our part in avoiding mass gatherings to help protect ourselves, family and friends.

“It is because of this, we will not standby and allow these events to happen. They will be shut down.”

Police have released 999 calls from residents reporting illegal raves, with one man saying: “It’s just scary.”

A caller can be heard saying party-goers have “blockaded the road”, while a woman complains they are “shouting, making too much noise, bottles everywhere”.

Another caller says: “Hi, there’s an illegal rave outside. There’s hundreds of them and they’re very noisy, very crowdy and there’s more coming.”

The Met said officers will work with organisers and local authorities to shut down illegal raves and will use laws to seize sound systems and laptops or break up crowds and make arrests if people fail to comply.

Commander Adelekan, added: “I would urge anyone who has any information on a UME to reach out and let us know.

“The earlier we have information, the sooner we can act and ensure that crowds are sent away and sounds systems are turned off and seized.”

Police across the country have had to deal with a surge in illegal raves since lockdown restrictions were eased.

Avon and Somerset Police said they were powerless to stop an illegal rave near Bath swarming with more than 3,000 party-goers last weekend.

The event, at the former RAF Charmy Down airfield about three miles from the city, began late on Saturday but was not shut down until Sunday afternoon.

Last Saturday, Greater Manchester Police said they dismantled a planned event after talking to audio equipment suppliers.

The force said they are monitoring for future planned raves after two large-scale unlicensed events in June.

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