Armed police called to unlicensed music event

Armed police were called to an unlicensed music event attended by hundreds of people over the weekend.

Suffolk Police was called at 03:50 BST on Sunday to reports of a large gathering on farmland at the Euston estate, near Thetford.

It was initially reported there were between 500 and 1,000 people in attendance, with 80 vehicles.

Officers made eight arrests before attendees began to disperse by late morning.

Just after 17:00 BST, police took control of the music equipment and were able to close down the event down.

The eight people arrested included:

• One on suspicion of drug-driving, criminal damage and possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply
• Two on suspicion of drink-driving
• Three on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance
• Two on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply

Two vans and a car were seized, along with music and sound equipment, including five generators.

Police used drones, a dog unit and public order officers experienced in dealing with such events.

Inquiries are ongoing to determine the organisers behind the event.

Farm manager Matthew Hawthorne praised police officers for their quick response.

He said: "Their support and the way they managed it has been really, really good - they were informative and asking what we think they should do.

"There were 75 officers there and the whole time I was down there I kept thanking them for what they had done."

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