Twelve arrested at unlicensed music event in Swanley

Twelve people have been arrested after Kent Police attended a report of an unlicensed music event in Swanley.

Officers were called to Mark Way in Goldsel Road at 12.18am on Sunday 6 August 2017 following a report  that a large group of people were causing a disturbance.

Upon arrival, officers discovered up to 500 people had entered an industrial unit without the owner’s consent for an unlicensed music event.

Equipment relating to the event was seized by officers.

The 12 arrests were made on suspicion of drug possession, criminal damage, theft, and public nuisance offences. All currently remain in police custody.

Kent Police liaised with the British Transport Police to ensure the attendees, the majority of whom came from outside Kent, could leave the area safely on the first available trains. The site had been cleared by 7am.

Detective Superintendent Ann Lisseman said: ‘Although unlicensed music events in Kent are thankfully rare, they can cause a number of issues, including damage, noise, and disorder. They attract large numbers to unoccupied properties which can cause safety issues for those attending, especially if the building has not been maintained.

‘In this case, it was a new building, and sadly for the owners a large amount of damage was caused during the event.

‘We urge people to only attend lawful and licensed music events and ask parents to ensure they know where their children are and make them aware of the potential dangers and consequences of attending unlicensed events.

‘I hope that the message following this recent event is clear: We recognise the detrimental effect unlicensed events can have on a community, we do not tolerate disorder and we will take action against anyone who breaks the law.’

Arrests:

– A 17-year boy from Poplar, London for possession of herbal cannabis and public nuisance.

– A 19-year-old man from London for burglary and public nuisance.

– A 17-year-old boy from Welwyn Garden City, Herts, for possess of a controlled drug, and burglary.

– A 40-year-old man from Hounslow, London, for public nuisance.

– An 18-year-old man from Orpington, London for criminal damage and public nuisance.

– A 17-year-old boy from East Ham, Beckton, for criminal damage.

– A 20 year-old man from Dagenham, Essex, for possession of a controlled drug and public nuisance.

– A 17-year-old girl from Barnet, London, for possession of a controlled drug, burglary and public nuisance.

– A 20-year-old man from Bedfont, Middlesex, for public nuisance.

– A 20-year-old from Richmond, Surrey for criminal damage, burglary and public nuisance.

– A 17-year-old boy from Gravesend for burglary and public nuisance.

– A 41-year-old man from Shepherds Bush, London for public nuisance and possession of herbal cannabis.