Hundreds cram into railway arches and padlock doors for all-night rave
A massive illegal rave attended by more than 300 people in east London was shut down by police.
Officers were scrambled to the railway arches on Nursery Road in Hackney in the early hours this morning, where hundreds of ravers were found packed inside.
Loud music was heard coming from the venue and at one point the doors were padlocked from the inside to stop police getting in.
Dozens of ravers attempted to flee as the police arrived, scaling fences at the rear of the arch, while others forced open a gate to get away from officers.
The Met said multiple attempts were made to engage with the event’s organisers, who were ‘unco-operative’.
Additional resources including police dogs and a helicopter were deployed.
A total of 78 people were stopped and issued with fixed penalty notices to the value of £200 for breaching Covid regulations by attending an illegal gathering – a total of £15,600.
Chief Superintendent Roy Smith said: ‘This was a serious and blatant breach of the public health regulations and the law in relation to unlicensed music events.
‘Officers were forced, yet again, to put their own health at risk to deal with a large group of incredibly selfish people who were tightly packed together in a confined space – providing an ideal opportunity for this deadly virus to spread.
‘Our frontline officers continue to police this public health crisis with compassion and professionalism but it is completely unacceptable they have to face such needless risks to their own health and to their families too.
‘Whilst we will always seek to engage and explain, the message to those who have a total disregard for the safety of others and breach the law so blatantly is clear, our officers will act swiftly and decisively.
‘Not just organisers, but all those present at such illegal parties can expect to be issued a fine.’
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