UK
police break up illegal rave in forest over COVID-19 breaches
UK
Police have broken up an illegal rave in Thetford
Forest, England, days after the British Government
introduced tougher penalties
The
risk of increased fines for COVID-19 breaches did
not stop British partiers attending a rave in a
forest over a public holiday weekend.
Dozens
of officers, some holding protective shields,
faced off with the revellers, but despite a few
scuffles the party was largely dispersed
peacefully.
There
did not appear to be any arrests and the police
dismantled the sound system.
The
British Government had introduced stiffer
penalties ahead of a three-day bank-holiday
weekend, for those who flouted social distancing
measures.
"Those
facilitating or organising illegal raves,
unlicensed music events, or any other unlawful
gathering of more than 30 people may face a
10,000-pound fine ($18,140)," a government
statement said.
However,
one reveller who spoke on condition of anonymity
said people in the country were feeling the need
to be social.
"I
understand people shouldn't gather in groups of
above 30 but people are itching to socialise and
have a night out," he said.
"People
don't want violence.
"We've
come here to socialise and then clear up after
ourselves."
Police
have stopped several illegal raves in other parts
of England as the Government sought a balance
between loosening restrictions on socialising,
while protecting public health.
