Arrests made after Easter illegal rave shut down

A total of 15 people have been arrested following an illegal rave which has now been closed down, Sussex Police said.

The force said it was alerted to an unlicensed music event in Charlton Wood, north of Chichester, West Sussex, on Sunday morning.

Officers attended the site and shut nearby roads to prevent further people entering, police said.

A total of 11 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug-driving, one person was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply illegal drugs, and three people were arrested on suspicion of carrying out unauthorised licensing activity.

Police said Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act was authorised, which gave them the power to remove people attending or preparing for a rave.

Equipment including speakers, sound systems and stages were seized.

A number of vehicles remain abandoned on roads surrounding the forest, a Sussex Police spokesperson said.

Supt Shane Baker said: "Events of this nature can have a hugely detrimental impact on the environment, they can cause extreme distress to livestock and they can significantly disturb local residents.

"The bottom line is they are illegal."

He said the event had been brought to a "safe and successful conclusion".

"I'd also like to remind any motorists to collect any vehicles they may have abandoned, but only when they are fit to drive," he added.

An investigation has been launched by Sussex Police and the force is asking anyone with information or video footage to get in contact.

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