GATHERINGS OF 30 OR ARE UNLAWFUL WITH AN ADDED RISK OF SPREADING THE VIRUS AT 'POORLY ORGANISED' EVENT, POLICE ADVISE

MAN, 39, RELEASED ON BAIL AFTER BEING HELD ON SUSPICION OF CONSIPRIACY TO CAUSE PUBLIC NUISANCE

FRUSTRATED Atherstone children and youngsters desperate to break free from the shackles of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions have been warned to steer clear of a planned illegal rave that poses a "serious" health risk in spreading the virus.

Officers investigating the event scheduled to take place later in the month have detained a man in connection with its organisation and are urging the public not to attend.

The arrest comes following intelligence of the unlawful gathering "somewhere in North Warwickshire" on Saturday July 25.

A 39-year-old man from Coventry, held on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance, has now been released on police bail.

The event, which has been publicly selling tickets on social media, is unauthorised and unlicensed, and breaks current Government legislation around gatherings.

Safer Neigbourhood Team Chief Inspector Karl Faulkner for Warwickshire Police said: "While on the face of it, this event may seem legitimate – and even states it is working with the police to coordinate a safe event – it is illegal and we will not tolerate nor endorse illegal raves of any kind in our county.

"They pose a serious risk, not only to those attending them, as they are often poorly organised with little regard to the health and safety of attendees, but also pose a significant risk to public health in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It is currently against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place other than in exceptional circumstances, and we will be enforcing this legislation as part of our role in minimising the risk of spreading the virus.

"We will also take robust action against anyone found to be involved in organising these events.

"Other police forces have encountered serious incidents including stabbings and sexual offences at illegal raves, which demonstrates how un-safe these events are, as they often have limited security in place and are at locations particularly difficult for emergency services to reach.

"I would therefore urge anyone who has a ticket to this or any other illegal rave, or anyone considering purchasing a ticket to please think twice about going.

"I would also urge any parents or carers considering dropping off or collecting children and young people from an illegal rave to consider the risks involved.