Barton Mills – Eight people arrested in connection with unlicensed music event

Police have now closed down an unlicensed music even (UME) in Barton Mills, making eight arrests in connection with the incident.   

Officers were called at just after 2.15am this morning, Sunday 28 April, to reports of a large gathering at a farm in the village.

A number of police units were dispatched to the scene, where there were initially reported to be more that 200 people present, with 80-100 vehicles.

Officers directed those present to leave the site under a direction of Section 63 of the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994 and by late morning some of the attendees had begun to disperse.

At just after 1pm officers took control of the music equipment and were able to fully close the event down. All of those who were in attendance have now left the site. A section of the A11 had to be closed for a short time whilst the site was being cleared.

Paramedics were also in attendance with one woman taken to hospital for treatment to a suspected broken leg.

Eight people were arrested as follows:

• three on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance;
• one on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance, failure to comply with a direction to leave and drugs offences;
• one on suspicion of failure to comply with a direction to leave;
• two on suspicion of drug-driving;
• one on suspicion of failing to provide a specimen for analysis (in respect of a roadside drug wipe)

Various items of music and sound equipment were seized by officers.

Superintendent Matt Carney said: "This event was closed down following a large policing operation and the site was cleared as quickly as we were able do so, without any significant issues.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to the UME and to identify all those involved in its planning. We will do everything in our power to prevent, disrupt and stop these events from taking place and minimise the impact on local communities.

“I would like to thank the landowner and the local community for their patience as we worked to close this UME down as quickly and safely as possible.

“Unlicenced music events like this can cause a considerable amount of disruption, causing widespread damage to the natural environment as well. As they don’t have to conform to any safety standards, they also put those who choose to attend at risk. The matter doesn’t finish here and an investigation will continue into what has taken place.”

Anyone with information concerning the organisers of this UME should contact Suffolk Police, quoting reference: 23427/24.

Website – https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us  

Phone – Call 101

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please note in the event of an emergency you should always call 999

 

Previous release | 28 April 2024 - 12pm

Police are currently at the scene of an unlicensed music event in a field in Barton Mills.  

Officers were called at just after 2.15am this morning, Sunday 28 April, to reports of a large gathering at a farm in the village.

A number of police units were dispatched to the scene, where there were initially reported to be more that 200 people present, with 80-100 vehicles.

There currently remains an estimated 150 people and 50 vehicles on site. Officers are working to close the event down in a safe and controlled manner and have directed those present to leave the site under a direction of Section 63 of the Criminal Justice & Public Order Act 1994.

Paramedics are also in attendance following reports that a woman had sustained an injury.  

Superintendent Matt Carney said: "We have deployed a number of resources to the scene including a drone unit, dogs and specially trained public order officers who are experienced in dealing with this type of event.

"From our initial enquiries it is clear this is a planned event which was intended to go on well into this afternoon. We are working to close the event down in a controlled manner, taking the safety of those in attendance and our officers into account. Due to the number of people present, additional policing resources are needed to facilitate this process.

"We will work to identify organisers, seize equipment, deal with any criminal offences and impose penalties where evidence is available.”