An unauthorised gathering of people has been taking place in the East Lulworth area.
The incident was first reported to police at 12.36am on Sunday 17 April 2022. It is believed that about 1000 people are attending the event and a large number of vehicles were also seen travelling through the area.
Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “Understandably, we have received a number of calls from concerned and upset residents who have had their sleep disturbed by the noise levels coming from the illegal event. I would like to reassure them that we are fully aware of this unauthorised large gathering of people and we are working proactively with our partner agencies including Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, the MOD, Dorset Council and other public services to deal with the risks and impacts on our communities and bring the event to a conclusion.
“Our officers have been in the area since the initial reports and are visibly policing it and cordons and road closures are in place. Anyone trying to access the area will be prevented from doing so and directed to leave immediately.
“We are fully aware of the distress and disruption that is being caused to residents and visitors, many of whom have experienced consistent loud noise coming from the site. On a busy holiday weekend such an unauthorised event is negatively impacting on local Easter events, businesses and the rural community causing disruption as well as distress to livestock on farmland.
“We are working closely together with partner agencies to assess all options to bring the incident to a safe conclusion and try to manage the considerable risks associated with a large-scale unauthorised gathering. It will come as no surprise that emergency services are already busy on a beautiful sunny Easter weekend and such irresponsible behaviour is adding to the demand.
“As there are army training sites in the area, those attending the event are potentially putting themselves in danger by crossing these locations. There is also an amber wildfire risk and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue are providing robust advice to not have open campfires or use BBQs in the open countryside.
“Police officers have entered the site and given a direction for people to leave the scene of the unlawful gathering using powers under the Public Order Act. Due to the large scale of the event and impacts of dispersing such high numbers this process can take some time.
“We will be investigating any criminal offences and ensure those found to be responsible are prosecuted. This is supported by vehicle checks in the area and on the site, deployments of officers with bodycams, the use of drones and the NPAS helicopter as well as other intelligence gathering methods.
“We are keen to hear from anyone with information about those involved in organising the event or who has witnessed offences committed. I would like to thank the public for reporting the issue to us and appreciate their patience while the matter is being resolved.
“Again, I would like to send a direct message to those at the event – you are trespassing, please leave and go home immediately.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting incident number 17:29. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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