Seven arrested after police break up rave near Andover
Hampshire Constabulary say 50 people attended the unlicensed event in Longparish
Seven people have been arrested after police broke up a rave near Andover.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary say they were called to reports of an unlicensed music event next to The Avenue in Longparish on the morning of Easter Sunday.
Around 50 people were believed to be in attendance.
The force say they decided to break it up after consulting with the landowner, and assessing the risk to public safety, anti-social behaviour and the volume of the music.
Three men, aged 29, 31, and 35, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class A drug.
Two more people were arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive through the consumption of drink or drugs.
A further two people were arrested on suspicion of offences in relation to the event.
Five vehicles, a generator, and sound equipment were also seized by officers.
Chief Superintendent Darren O’Callaghan said:
"Our response today sends a clear message to anyone who trys to organise an event like this or anyone thinking of attending an unlicensed music event in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight.
"We will use all of the powers available to us to ensure public safety, prevent significant disruption to our communities, and to prevent people from coming to harm at such unlicensed events.
"The noise today could be heard from a significant distance away and the behaviour of those attending or trying to attend was incredibly disruptive.
"We take these types of incidents seriously. Organisers of these unlicensed and unlawful events often pay no or little regard to the safety and welfare of those attending, including the provision of facilities for basic needs such as security, toilets and water.
"It also can cause serious disruption to local, and often rural communities through noise, litter, and general anti-social behaviour.
"I hope that the action we have taken today reassures the local community and demonstrates that we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour anywhere in Hampshire or on the Island."