Illegal Halloween rave attended by 300 people dispersed by police

 Hundreds of people were partying together defying Covid-19 restrictions
PA Archive/PA Images

Police were called to an illegal Halloween lockdown rave on a farm near Wigan last night that was attended by about 300 people.

The event was reported to police last night at about 8.45pm by the owner of the farm, which is on the border with Glazebury in Cheshire.

They found the party on their 320-acre site where hundreds of people were playing loud music and defying Covid-19 restrictions.

Seven police cars had tyres slashed when officers attempted to break up the party, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said today.

Many of the crowd escaped on foot across railway tracks while live trains were still operating.Police also found a machete in an area of bushes as they searched the site.

Two men were arrested; a 26-year-old on suspicion of not providing personal details for a Fixed Penalty Notice and a 36-year-old for possession of class A drugs.

Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: "This event was unacceptable and a blatant disregard of, not only restrictions for COVID-19 and the safety of others, but also the safety of those present as we saw serious examples over the summer period of the dangers posed by attending such events.

"This event was a clear and flagrant breach of the regulations in place to keep people safe and a comprehensive investigation has been launched to bring the organisers to justice.

"I would also like to reiterate our message from the summer to those thinking of attending these events and those willing to drop their children off at these illegal gatherings; while many may attend to have a good time, not everyone goes with the same intentions.

"As well as being illegal, these events are not safe and the fact a machete was recovered from the site of this event is a worrying but important reminder that this very much remains the case."

Meanwhile in Scotland, fireworks were used against police in a “large-scale disturbance” involving a crowd of about 100 people.

Police Scotland said people were setting off fireworks at officers and trying to intimidate them.

Extra police were needed to help break up the gathering, in Beauly Square, Dundee, with specially trained officers attending.

Inquiries into the incident, which took place at about 7.05pm on Saturday, are continuing, the force said.

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