Woman rescued from river and motorway closed as illegal rave beneath bridge shut down by police
An illegal rave underneath a motorway bridge was broken up by police - with a woman rescued from a nearby river and the motorway closed as crowds were dispersed.
Officers from West Midlands Police attended the scene near junction four of the M6 after being alerted by a member of the public to the event near a river.
Police found the gathering, but decided not to move in immediately, instead calling in support from a drone and helicopter.
This was due to concern that those gathered may flee and fall into the river, or try to escape onto the motorway, if large numbers of officers suddenly appeared.
Thermal imaging cameras on a drone spotted around 30 people partying under the bridge, while a police helicopter’s night lights were used to break up the gathering.
The motorway was briefly shut to minimise the risk to people there, and one woman was helped from the river after falling in.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd said: "This was an unauthorised event that would have been illegal outside of Covid-19 legislation, but considering the public health context, it’s an even more irresponsible act.
"I’d like to thank the officers who attended what was a very challenging scene, late at night, by a motorway and on the banks of a river, acting with public safety as their priority throughout.
"They made sure everyone was safe by closing the motorway for a short period and even helped one woman from the river. Thankfully no-one was hurt.
"We will be issuing 22 people with fines and will be looking to identify other people who attended the illegal gathering.
"I understand people’s frustrations at having endured a long lockdown but amassing in large numbers like this for an unlicensed event in such a dangerous environment is not acceptable and we have to take action."
Some of those gathered in the early hours of Saturday fled into the night, but officers were positioned nearby as the event broke up and took the details of 22 people to issue them with £200 fines.
One man was found with a suitcase carrying sound equipment, and a van believed to have been used in setting up the event has been seized after getting stuck in the mud.
The man could now face a £10,000 if he’s found to have organised the event.
