More than a dozen people have been arrested in connection with an illegal rave in woodland near Chichester.
Police have arrested more than a dozen individuals following an illegal rave in woodland near Chichester over the weekend.
The unlicensed music event took place at Charlton Forest, where approximately 2,500 people gathered late on Saturday, 19 April. Sussex Police received reports of the large-scale gathering shortly after 10pm and quickly mobilised officers to the scene.
Surrounding roads were closed to prevent further access and ensure public safety. In response to the event, police enacted Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, empowering them to disperse attendees and seize equipment associated with the rave, including large speakers, sound systems, and staging gear.
In total, 15 people were taken into custody: 11 on suspicion of drink or drug-driving, one on suspicion of possession with intent to supply illegal drugs, and three on suspicion of unauthorised licensing activity.
The site has since been cleared by authorities, and police are continuing their investigations and have urged anyone with further information to come forward.
Superintendent Shane Baker said: “I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we responded to this incident. Events of this nature can have a hugely detrimental impact on the environment, they can cause extreme distress to livestock and they can significantly disturb local residents. But the bottom line is they are illegal.
“They can also heavily impact the local road network through abandoned vehicles, traffic build-up and road traffic offences, and result in a huge strain on resources of the emergency services.
“I’d like to thank all staff and officers – some of whom have worked throughout the night – to ensure this incident was brought to a safe and successful conclusion.
“I’d also like to remind any motorists to collect any vehicles they may have abandoned, but only when they are fit to drive. Anyone caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs will be dealt with robustly.”
The event will now be subject to an investigation, and anyone with any information or camera footage is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Wish.
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