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Police work to shut down illegal Easter rave near Chichester Arrests made after Easter illegal rave shut down near Chichester
(about 8 hours later)
Sussex Police said it was alerted to an unlicensed music event in Charlton WoodSussex Police said it was alerted to an unlicensed music event in Charlton Wood
Officers are working to shut down an illegal Easter rave, police have said. A total of 15 people have been arrested following an illegal rave which has now been closed down, Sussex Police said.
Sussex Police said it was alerted to an unlicensed music event in Charlton Wood, north of Chichester. The force said it was alerted to an unlicensed music event in Charlton Wood, north of Chichester, West Sussex, on Sunday morning.
It said officers were at the site and have shut nearby roads to prevent further people entering. Officers attended the site and shut nearby roads to prevent further people entering, police said.
The priority was to ensure the safety of the local community as well as closing the rave down "safely and effectively", the force added. 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.
Roads close to the woods have been closed off by police Roads close to the woods were closed off by police
Supt Shane Baker said: "We acted swiftly to identify the woodland site when we were alerted that people were making their way to a rave in the county. 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.
"Where offences are seen to be committed we will take action and this will include road traffic offences. Equipment including speakers, sound systems and stages were seized.
"We appreciate that this is impacting on the local community and we thank them for their patience and cooperation as we look to close down this illegal event as soon as possible." 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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