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Ravers confront police trying to shut forest rave amid new crackdown on illegal parties as Leeds bash organisers get £10,000 fine while officers break up events in London, Essex and Birmingham

Rowdy revellers confronted a line of riot shield-wielding police officers in a Norfolk forest after authorities tried to shut down their 500-person rave.

Crowds of police officers wearing helmets and hi-vis jackets moved in to break up the 'well-established and planned' all-night unlicensed music event in Thetford Forest.

One raver appeared to try to rip a riot shield out of the hands of an officer, while others were pictured raising their middle fingers as their party - which police think was due to take place throughout the long weekend - was shut down. 

It comes after new rules to crack down on mass gatherings came into force on Friday. 

Rowdy revellers confronted a line of riot shield-wielding police officers in a Norfolk forest after authorities tried to shut down their 500-person rave

Rowdy revellers confronted a line of riot shield-wielding police officers in a Norfolk forest after authorities tried to shut down their 500-person rave

One raver appeared to try to rip a riot shield out of the hands of an officer in Thetford Forest

One raver appeared to try to rip a riot shield out of the hands of an officer in Thetford Forest

Crowds of police officers wearing helmets and hi-vis jackets moved in to break up the 'well-established and planned' all-night unlicensed music event in Thetford Forest

Crowds of police officers wearing helmets and hi-vis jackets moved in to break up the 'well-established and planned' all-night unlicensed music event in Thetford Forest

Norfolk Police described the organisation of a large gathering in Thetford forest, which began late on Saturday night, as 'extremely disappointing'. Pictured: Police attempting to break up the event

Norfolk Police described the organisation of a large gathering in Thetford forest, which began late on Saturday night, as 'extremely disappointing'. Pictured: Police attempting to break up the event

The regulations - with were put in place ahead of the bank holiday weekend - mean organisers of illegal raves could be hit with £10,000 fines.

But it seems the rules did not put rebellious rule-breakers off.

In Leeds, eight people were fined a total of £10,000 after several parties across Headingley and Burley on Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday. 

Met Police issued a £10,000 fine to a 73-year-old man who was arrested in central London on Saturday on suspicion of breaking newly introduced coronavirus laws.

The man was arrested in Trafalgar Square at 3.25pm on suspicion of breaking the new Health Protection Regulations 2020. He has since been released from custody.

The force (officers pictured at the event) said they would have to deploy extra resources to close the event down

The force (officers pictured at the event) said they would have to deploy extra resources to close the event down

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davison, who is leading the Norfolk Police operation, said a drone unit, dogs, the National Police Air Service helicopter and specially trained public order officers had all been deployed to an isolated area of Thetford forest (pictured), near to the English Heritage site Grimes Graves

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davison, who is leading the Norfolk Police operation, said a drone unit, dogs, the National Police Air Service helicopter and specially trained public order officers had all been deployed to an isolated area of Thetford forest , near to the English Heritage site Grimes Graves

A reveller puts his hands up in front of riot police at the scene of an illegal rave in Thetford Forest

A reveller puts his hands up in front of riot police at the scene of an illegal rave in Thetford Forest

He said it was clear the 'well-established and planned event' (revellers pictured) was due to continue into Monday and the force was working to 'close the event down in a controlled manner, taking the safety of those in attendance and our officers into account'

He said it was clear the 'well-established and planned event' (revellers pictured) was due to continue into Monday and the force was working to 'close the event down in a controlled manner, taking the safety of those in attendance and our officers into account'

Revellers clash with riot police at the scene of the suspected illegal rave in Thetford Forest

Revellers clash with riot police at the scene of the suspected illegal rave in Thetford Forest

A reveller clears up a rubbish in front of riot police as officers held up their shields in Thetford Forest

A reveller clears up a rubbish in front of riot police as officers held up their shields in Thetford Forest

Police officers are seen near to the site of the suspected illegal rave in Norfolk

Police officers are seen near to the site of the suspected illegal rave in Norfolk

A large group of riot police wearing helmets and hi-vis jackets - and clutching riot shields - moved in

A large group of riot police wearing helmets and hi-vis jackets - and clutching riot shields - moved in

He was informed on Sunday that a fixed penalty notice would be issued for £10,000 for the offence of holding a gathering of more than 30 people in an outdoor place, according to the force.

Meanwhile, ravers are thought to have travelled from across the UK to an illegal event in Wales attended by up to 3,000 people.

Officers are at the scene in Banwen, Neath Port Talbot, and South Wales Police have condemned the 'totally unacceptable' event.

Village residents say they have been kept awake since 1am when crowds began to gather in a nearby forest, with some saying they felt like 'prisoners in their own home'.  

Hundreds left their cars and vans parked illegally, obstructing roads throughout the village.

West Yorkshire Police said a man was arrested after DJing at a street party on Wepener Mount, Harehills

West Yorkshire Police said a man was arrested after DJing at a street party on Wepener Mount, Harehills

Police have broken up gatherings in Wales, Norfolk, Essex and Birmingham and seized thousands of pounds of music equipment

Police have broken up gatherings in Wales, Norfolk, Essex and Birmingham and seized thousands of pounds of music equipment

One woman who attended the rave this morning said she'd driven all the way from London to take part.

She said: 'I've come from Lewisham in London and we travelled up following the party line and it's been absolutely bloody fantastic. Met nothing but lovely people here as always.

'That's the thing about these events, everybody you meet is absolutely splendid and lovely and it's all good vibes. There's nothing bad to be said about these kinds of things to be honest.'

However, one local said he feels like a 'prisoner' in his own home, as young people are 'obviously under the influence of drink and drugs' and could be seen sleeping on benches in the village early this morning.  

Police officers arrive to break up a party in the Hyde Park area of Leeds last night as revellers flouted social distancing rules

Police officers arrive to break up a party in the Hyde Park area of Leeds last night as revellers flouted social distancing rules

Police seized what is believed to be around £20,000 of music equipment from an address in the Chapeltown area of Leeds

Police seized what is believed to be around £20,000 of music equipment from an address in the Chapeltown area of Leeds

It was found in a garden and was suspected of being kept for an unlicensed music event

It was found in a garden and was suspected of being kept for an unlicensed music event

Residents of the village of Banwen say they have been kept awake since 1am when crowds began to gather in a nearby forest

Residents of the village of Banwen say they have been kept awake since 1am when crowds began to gather in a nearby forest

Chief Superintendent Simon Belcher of South Wales Police said the force is 'looking at all pieces of legislation' as they deal with the huge crowds.

He said 'This type of illegal gathering is totally unacceptable and we are aware of the concerns it is causing for the local community.

'I would like to again remind people of their obligations under the current coronavirus legislation and the overarching goal for everyone to take personal responsibility by following Welsh Government regulations to Keep Wales Safe.

'We have a number of resources in attendance including the police helicopter and roads policing officers.

One woman who attended the Wales rave this morning said she'd driven all the way from London to take part

One woman who attended the Wales rave this morning said she'd driven all the way from London to take part

South Wales Police have confirmed they are aware of the incident and have been in attendance

South Wales Police have confirmed they are aware of the incident and have been in attendance

South Wales Police have confirmed they are aware of the incident and have been in attendance

South Wales Police have confirmed they are aware of the incident and have been in attendance

'It has been estimated there are up to 3,000 people at the gathering who have apparently travelled from across the UK and we are looking at all pieces of legislation as to what action can be undertaken safely.'

He said unlawfully parked cars 'will be dealt with' and people who turn up to the event will be turned away.

Norfolk Police described the organisation of a large gathering in Thetford forest, which began late on Saturday night and which officers believe was due to take place throughout the long weekend, as 'extremely disappointing'.

The force said they would have to deploy extra resources to close the event down.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Davison, who is leading the Norfolk Police operation, said a drone unit, dogs, the National Police Air Service helicopter and specially trained public order officers had all been deployed to an isolated area of Thetford forest, near to the English Heritage site Grimes Graves.

One local said he feels like a 'prisoner' in his own home, as young people are 'obviously under the influence of drink and drugs'

One local said he feels like a 'prisoner' in his own home, as young people are 'obviously under the influence of drink and drugs'

Speaking at the Banwen rave, a reveller said: 'I've come from Lewisham in London and we travelled up following the party line and it's been absolutely bloody fantastic'

Speaking at the Banwen rave, a reveller said: 'I've come from Lewisham in London and we travelled up following the party line and it's been absolutely bloody fantastic'

People taking part in an illegal party in Leeds last nightPolice officers face revellers in Leeds last night

Police confronted revellers in Leeds last night, with illegal parties taking place all over the country

People taking part in an illegal party in Leeds last nightPolice officers face revellers in Leeds last night

Police confronted revellers in Leeds last night, with illegal parties taking place all over the country

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was seized by Essex Police ahead of an unlicensed music event

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was seized by Essex Police ahead of an unlicensed music event

He said it was clear the 'well-established and planned event' was due to continue into Monday and the force was working to 'close the event down in a controlled manner, taking the safety of those in attendance and our officers into account'.

He said: 'It's 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 one man has been charged with causing a public nuisance after officers broke up a street party on Wepener Mount, Harehills, on Saturday. Five other people at the party have been fined.

Superintendent Chris Bowen said: 'We hope people will recognise the ongoing risks of holding or taking part in events such as this but where intervention is needed, we will fine people and make arrests.' 

Meanwhile, thousands of pounds worth of equipment has also been seized in the police crackdown.

The force seized what they believe to be around £20,000 of music equipment from a garden at an address in the Chapeltown area of Leeds on Sunday which officers suspect was being kept for an unlicensed music event.

More than 200 revellers flouted restrictions at a rave in Birmingham last weekend. West Midlands Police said early on Sunday it had dealt with about 90 reports on Saturday

More than 200 revellers flouted restrictions at a rave in Birmingham last weekend. West Midlands Police said early on Sunday it had dealt with about 90 reports on Saturday

It came after Essex Police said it had also seized thousands of pounds' worth of equipment - but did not give an exact figure - ahead of an unlicensed music event the force said was due to take place in Harlow on Saturday afternoon.

Chief Inspector Lewis Basford said organisers of such events should ask themselves if it was worth the risk of the new fines.

He said: 'My final message is to the organisers: we will seize the equipment - I don't care if you've hired it from someone or if it's yours, we will break up your event, and we can now fine you up to £10,000.'

Humberside Police requested that the public avoid the area around the Buck Hotel in Driffield, East Yorkshire, due to an incident on Sunday morning. No further details were available.

West Midlands Police said it had dealt with about 90 reports from the public about possible breaches of restrictions by Sunday morning 'but we've not had to use our enforcement powers'.

National vice chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales Che Donald said the legislation should be clearer to allow policing to be 'more effective'.

He said: 'Our police officers are doing an incredibly difficult job in testing circumstances but as always, they will be ready to deal with anything that may come their way over the long bank holiday weekend.' 

Home Secretary Priti Patel has hit out at illegal rave organisers, who face £10,000 fines, warning them they are 'not above law'

Home Secretary Priti Patel has hit out at illegal rave organisers, who face £10,000 fines, warning them they are 'not above law'

Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh warned the legislation will mean 'absolutely nothing' for enforcement in London.

He said: 'It could be good for areas outside London, but it means absolutely nothing to us here.

'People just set up a music box in the middle of the street and say 'it's not mine', it's utter nonsense.'

He called for clearer legislation which would allow officers to 'be more forceful clearing the area immediately, close the area down, the Government need more forceful wording around groups of people gathering'.

But a police chief has argued confusion over the guidelines is being used by some as an 'excuse' to break the rules.

Andy Rhodes, Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary, said there was a 'world of difference' between people acting sensibly and others who were 'flagrantly' ignoring the rules.

He argued confusion over the guidelines is being used by some as an 'excuse' to break the rules.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has defended the new rules, which came into force on Friday, saying it represents a crackdown on 'the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions'.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, she said: 'We will not allow this breathtakingly selfish behaviour from a senseless minority to jeopardise the progress we have made together.'

The Metropolitan Police force alone has responded to more than 1,000 unlicensed events since the end of June.

The new measures also mean people not wearing masks and participants in unlawful gatherings can be fined starting at £100, doubling for each repeat offence up to a maximum of £3,200. 

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