Police Accused of ‘Unethical’ Force During Illegal Dorset Rave Dispersal

Dorset Police are under scrutiny following accusations of using 'unethical' force to break up an illegal rave that attracted around 2,000 people to a beauty spot near East Lulworth over the weekend. The force reported 11 arrests related to the event, which was eventually dispersed on Sunday evening.

Claims of Police Aggression

Zak Hanman, an attendee from Swindon, described the rave as initially 'very peaceful' and alleged that police began 'attacking' individuals 'when no violence was presented towards them'. He stated, 'The violence they used was unethical, it was unhuman-like and it was just not needed.' Hanman conceded that some partygoers later retaliated, throwing objects at officers, but insisted this only occurred after police initiated what he termed 'aggression'. He specifically cited an instance where officers allegedly 'hit this guy with a baton, even when he was on the floor'.

Police Response

In response to these claims, Dorset Police maintained that they took 'appropriate and proportionate action' to bring the rave to a 'safe conclusion'. A force statement highlighted that officers 'came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception', adding that 'violence in our communities and against our officers will not be tolerated'. The illegal gathering was first reported late on Saturday, with officers working through Sunday to close it down. Arrests were made for various offences, including driving under the influence and assaulting an emergency worker, as police seized equipment and closed nearby roads.