Investigation launched following police attack on illegal rave attendees in Dorset
Footage shared on social media showed riot police dragging attendees as they attempted to shut down the 2000-strong unlicensed event on Sunday
An investigation has been launched following violent clashes between Dorset Police and ravers on Easter Sunday (April 5), as the force attempted to shut down an illegal rave on Ministry of Defence land near East Lulworth.
Dorset Police said that around 2,000 people and over 100 vehicles were present when they arrived at the unlicensed gathering on Saturday evening (April 4), with officers taking around 24-hours to shut the event down, claiming they faced a "violent and hostile reception" from attendees.
However, footage shared across social media following the event showed riot gear-clad police officers dragging ravers across the floor, with several appearing to have sustained bloody head injuries.
A witness also refuted Dorset Police's version of events, telling BBC News that “the violence" the force used against attendees was "unethical, it was unhuman-like and it was just not needed".
11 people were arrested for charges including possession of Class A substances, driving under the influence and assaulting an emergency worker. In an updated report by BBC News today (April 9), all those arrested have now been released on bail pending further investigation.
Conservative police and crime commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, told BBC News: "The police would have tried to close it down peacefully. They came under intense assault with bottles. I am certain that when it is reviewed we will see that there was a proportionate response."
[Via: BBC News]
Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X
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