Eight arrests as police break up large illegal rave at Barton Mills in Suffolk

Suffolk Police said they were encouraging people to leave the illegal event and would be seizing equipment. Credit: PA Images

Eight people have been arrested after police broke up an illegal rave on farmland.

Suffolk Police said they were called at 2.15am on Sunday after reports of the large gathering at a farm in Barton Mills near Mildenhall.

The nearby A11 had to be closed as police worked to shut down the illegal event.

Several police units were sent to the scene, where there were initially reported to be more than 200 people, with between 80 and 100 vehicles.

At just after 1pm officers were able to seize the music equipment and fully close the event down.

All of those who were in attendance had left the site by 3.30pm. A section of the A11 had to be closed for a short time while the site was being cleared.

Paramedics were also in attendance with one woman taken to hospital for treatment to a suspected broken leg.

Eight people were arrested:

  • three on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance;

  • one on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance, failure to comply with a direction to leave and drugs offences;

  • one on suspicion of failure to comply with a direction to leave;

  • two on suspicion of drug-driving;

  • one on suspicion of failing to provide a specimen for analysis (in respect of a roadside drug wipe).

Various items of music and sound equipment were seized by officers.

Supt Matt Carney said: "This event was closed down following a large policing operation and the site was cleared as quickly as we were able do so, without any significant issues.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the UME [unlicensed music event] and to identify all those involved in its planning.

"We will do everything in our power to prevent, disrupt and stop these events from taking place and minimise the impact on local communities.

“I would like to thank the landowner and the local community for their patience as we worked to close this UME down as quickly and safely as possible.

“Unlicensed music events like this can cause a considerable amount of disruption, causing widespread damage to the natural environment as well. As they don’t have to conform to any safety standards, they also put those who choose to attend at risk."

Police said the investigation was continuing.

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