Police Shut Down Illegal Rave Under Motorway Bridge

West Midlands Police said they issued 22 people with fines after they discovered an illegal rave under a motorway bridge, “dangerously close” to a river in Birmingham on March 27.

Helicopter footage and thermal imaging released by the police force show a large group of people gathering underneath the M6 motorway at Junction 4 near Coleshill.

The motorway was shut to minimize the risk to the people at the gathering and one woman was helped after falling into the River Cole.

Police said the event would have been illegal even without COVID-19 restrictions.

“I understand people’s frustrations at having endured a long lockdown but amassing in large numbers like this for an unlicensed event in such a dangerous environment is not acceptable and we have to take action," Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said. Credit: West Midlands Police via Storyful