Multiple arrests made at illegal rave near Chichester

More than a dozen people have been arrested in connection with an illegal rave in woodland near Chichester.

Police received reports of a large-scale unlicensed music event at Charlton Forest shortly after 10pm on Saturday 19 April. Approximately 2,500 people were in attendance.

Officers responded to the scene and the surrounding roads were closed to prevent any further attendance, and to ensure the safety of the public.

Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act was authorised, which gives officers the power to remove people attending or preparing for a rave, and equipment including speakers, sound systems and stages were seized.

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.

The site has since been cleared and a number of vehicles remain abandoned on roads surrounding the forest.

Superintendent Shane Baker said: “I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while we responded to this incident. 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. But the bottom line is they are illegal.

“They can also heavily impact the local road network through abandoned vehicles, traffic build-up and road traffic offences, and result in a huge strain on resources of the emergency services.

“I’d like to thank all staff and officers – some of whom have worked throughout the night – to ensure this incident was 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. Anyone caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs will be dealt with robustly.”

The event will now be subject to an investigation, and anyone with any information or camera footage is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Wish.