Police injured at illegal rural rave

Five police officers were injured while trying to break-up an illegal rave in Holbeach St Marks at the weekend.

Police arrested four people for violence or drugs offences when they were called to the event in the early hours of Sunday.
Around 200 people were at the rave on the outskirts of the village. The police officers received minor injuries as a result of intervening.
Det Ch Supt Jon McAdam said on Sunday: “We spent last night and today having to manage an illegal rave, whilst working hard to maintain our countywide response, keeping people safe,
“In addition to this, a number of our officers attending various incidents across the county were assaulted over the last 24 hours.
“Our officers do not come to work to be assaulted. None of this is acceptable at any time, but during a national pandemic where we are seeing COVID-19 cases rising, it is beyond words what people are actually thinking by organising and attending these events. Play your part and do not support such events.”
But local residents were upset that police officers monitored the event and it continued until 3pm on Sunday.
One commented on social media that the new rule of six should have been applied.
“No more than six should be no more than six. Laws are laws,” said one.
But Det Supt McAdam said the music was stopped and officers remained while the group dispersed.
“All vehicle movement has been recorded and there is an investigation that will be ongoing into the whole event. The policing response and health considerations were all monitored throughout the day,” he added.