Enquiries underway following large ‘rave’ near Barton Stacey

Enquiries underway following large ‘rave’ near Barton Stacey

Officers have launched an investigation following a large unauthorised music event near Barton Stacey.

We received multiple reports, from around 12.30am on Sunday 1 November, about a large ‘rave’ on land to the north of the A303, between Barton Stacey and Longparish.

Officers attended the site. There were more than 2,000 people present, as well as a large number of vehicles, considerable amount of sound equipment and staging areas.

We liaised with the landowner as well as other agencies including Highways and South Central Ambulance Service.

Due to the large number of people present, and the potential risk to public safety, officers closed some nearby roads to contain the site and stop further access.

Those on site left throughout Sunday, with the last people leaving before 6pm.

An investigation is now underway, and we will look at all options and lines of enquiry available to us for any potential action against those responsible. This will include reviewing all footage taken by officers.

Chief Inspector Clare Denyer, Test Valley district commander, said: “I would like to thank local people for their patience while our officers sought to resolve this incident safely.

“The sheer number of people present meant we had to minimise the risk to those on the site as well as the managing disruption to the local community.

“We take these types of incidents seriously because organisers of unlicensed and unlawful events often pay little regard to the safety and welfare of those attending.

“It can also cause disruption to local and often rural communities through noise, anti-social behaviour and litter. We know that a number of people reporting this could hear the music from miles away.

“We will investigate and look to identify those responsible. We will also work with the landowner around what measures can be taken to reduce the chance of this happening again.”    

Anyone with information on this incident should call police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44260534775, or report it via our website - https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/