Woman arrested for ‘hosting silent disco for more than 300 people’

A woman has been arrested after more than 300 people attended a silent disco.

The 50-year-old was detained on Friday and evidence was seized as part of an investigation into an unlicensed music event at an industrial unit in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, on August 30.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and offences against the licensing act, police said.

Officers are now seeking to freeze the money they believe was made from the event.

Chief superintendent Richard Liversidge said: “This is clear evidence that Hertfordshire Constabulary will pursue relentlessly and bring to justice any offenders who intend to organise similar events across Hertfordshire.”

The arrest was revealed on the eve of new restrictions being introduced in England.

From Monday, it will become illegal to gather in groups of more than six people except for certain situations, as authorities try to get a grip on the sharp rise in newly recorded coronavirus infections.

People have been warned against having a “party weekend” before the “rule of six” restrictions come into force.

John Apter, of the Police Federation of England and Wales, added: “There is a real risk some members of the public will take advantage of the current situation and treat this weekend as a party weekend ahead of the tighter restrictions being introduced on Monday.”

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