Ten arrested after police shut down unlicensed music event in Capel St Andrew
Police respond to large gathering in Rendlesham forest
Police have arrested ten people after shutting down an unlicensed music event in Capel St Andrew.
Officers were called shortly after midnight on Sunday morning, following reports of a gathering of about 50 people in Rendlesham forest.
Upon arrival, police discovered around 300 attendees along with sound equipment and music playing at the scene.
To prevent more vehicles from entering, authorities closed some site entrances and monitored the event throughout the day.
The gathering has since been dispersed, and significant amounts of equipment, including music decks and speakers, have been seized along with two vans used for transporting the equipment.
Among the individuals arrested, one is suspected of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Two others were detained on suspicion of drug-driving, while seven face allegations of causing a public nuisance.
All those arrested have been taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Alice Scott of Suffolk Constabulary said:
“Suffolk Constabulary takes seriously criminality associated with unlicensed music events and we take robust steps to close them down and pursue those responsible for organising them.
“We know that these events can cause a great deal of disruption to residents due to excessive noise levels, traffic and anti-social behaviour, alongside damage to natural habitats and a risk of fire.
“Police would also like to thank partner agencies for their support and the local community for being vigilant as this enables us to intervene and safely ensure that the event comes to an end.”
Anyone with information about an illegal rave or unlicensed music event, or who witnesses suspicious activity on farmland or in buildings, is urged to contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101 or report online via their website.