8 arrested after illegal rave near Mildenhall
More than 200 people were said to be in attendance
Police have arrested a number of people after an unlicensed rave in Suffolk.
Officers were called at just after 2:15am yesterday morning (Sunday 28th April) to reports more than 200 people were gathered at a farm in Barton Mills, near Mildenhall.
Police managed to clear the scene just after 1pm, and a section of the A11 had to be closed for a short time whilst the site was being cleared.
Paramedics were also in attendance with one woman taken to hospital for treatment to a suspected broken leg.
Eight people were arrested:
• Three on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance;
• One on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance, failure to comply with a direction to leave and drugs offences;
• One on suspicion of failure to comply with a direction to leave;
• Two on suspicion of drug-driving;
• One on suspicion of failing to provide a specimen for analysis (in respect of a roadside drug wipe)
Various items of music and sound equipment were seized by officers.
Superintendent Matt Carney said: "This event was closed down following a large policing operation and the site was cleared as quickly as we were able do so, without any significant issues.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the UME and to identify all those involved in its planning. We will do everything in our power to prevent, disrupt and stop these events from taking place and minimise the impact on local communities.
“I would like to thank the landowner and the local community for their patience as we worked to close this UME down as quickly and safely as possible.
“Unlicenced music events like this can cause a considerable amount of disruption, causing widespread damage to the natural environment as well.
"As they don’t have to conform to any safety standards, they also put those who choose to attend at risk. The matter doesn’t finish here and an investigation will continue into what has taken place.”