Three illegal raves shut down in London in one night with partygoers fighting police

30 October 2021, 21:08 | Updated: 30 October 2021, 21:15

Three illegal raves were shut down in London on Friday night as part of efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour in the capital, the Metropolitan Police has said, with some attendees becoming hostile towards officers.

The raves - in Lambeth, Southwark and Bethnal Green - saw hundreds of people attending illegally and becoming violent towards officers when they tried to shut the events down, according to the Met.

"Whilst we appreciate that a lot of people will be celebrating Halloween this weekend with house parties, there are a number of people who will choose to host large music events," said Chief Inspector Jack May-Robinson.

"These gatherings blight the lives of local residents.

"They often attract anti-social behaviour and can be dangerous environments for those attending them.

"Where we identify an event, we work hard to ensure that appropriate action is taken and equipment is seized to prevent attendees moving to another location.

"Extra patrols are taking place all over London to maintain public safety.

"I would urge anyone with concerns to contact police so that we can interrupt these UMEs (unlicensed music events) before they escalate."

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Police were first called to Glasshouse Walk in Lambeth just before midnight on Friday following complaints that fireworks had been set off.

Officers attended and found 300 youths at a community centre.

The Met said a number of fights broke out as people began to leave and fireworks and other projectiles were thrown, and back-up officers had to be called.

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Crowds were eventually dispersed at 1.20am on Saturday and one officer was treated for injuries.

The Met was later made aware of another unlicensed music event in railway arches on Corbetts Lane in Southwark.

About 150 people were dispersed from the area and the sound system was seized, with the organiser fined for licensing offences.

Across the capital officers also attended an address on Birkbeck Street in Bethnal Green, having established that another unlicensed event was planned.

When police arrived 30 people were present and quickly left.