Over 500 in the Norfolk Forest rave as new rules take effect

More than 500 people are at a party in a Norfolk forest on the weekend that new blocking measures for illegal gatherings went into effect.

Since Friday, England’s police have been able to fine organizers of illegal gatherings of more than 30 people, such as raves, up to £ 10,000.

Police said the unlicensed music event takes place in Thetford Forest from 23:20 BST on Saturday.

The force said the rave was “extremely disappointing to watch.”

After a member of the public reported seeing a large number of cars queuing to access a fire route, police found the event near the Grimes Graves English heritage site.

Coronavirus ‘a real threat’

Paramedics have also been called after reports that a man had been feeling ill.

Deputy Police Chief Nick Davison said it was “clear that this is a well-established and planned event that runs through tomorrow.”

“Due to the number of people at the event, additional police resources will be needed and this will take time.

“The coronavirus is still with us and continues to be a real threat, so it is extremely disappointing to see these types of events taking place when the rest of our communities are doing everything they can to help stop the spread of the virus.”

West Yorkshire police said eight people were fined £ 10,000 for parties in the Headingley and Burley areas of Leeds, including two DJs at a party, and also seized equipment.

The force said a 27-year-old Lincoln man was charged with causing public nuisance after a meeting at Wepener Mount, Harehills, on Saturday.

Superintendent Chris Bowen said the force “hopes people will recognize the current risks of participating in events like this.”

Meanwhile, Harlow Police in Essex seized thousands of pounds worth of equipment ahead of an unlicensed music event on Saturday afternoon.

Essex Police urged those planning to attend such events to “think again.”

Ch Insp Lewis Basford said the force would be “seeking to identify the organizer and take him to court.”

He added: “My final message is to the organizers: we will seize the equipment, I do not care if someone hired it or if it is theirs, we will dissolve your event and now we can fine you.” at £ 10,000 “.

West Midlands Police said they had dealt with about 90 reports of possible restrictions violations “but we have not had to use our enforcement powers.”

Interior Minister Priti Patel has said the legislation represents an offensive against “the most serious violations of social distancing restrictions.”

But the president of the Metropolitan Police Federation, Ken Marsh, said the legislation will mean “absolutely nothing” for enforcement in London.

“People just set up a music box in the middle of the street and say ‘it’s not mine,’ it’s total nonsense,” he said.