Police respond to illegal raves across Greater Manchester

Last weekend police disrupted at least 13 raves from taking place in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Police has increased resourcing in response to illegal raves that have been taking place across the region.

As well as planned raves, there has also been a growing number of large gatherings and outdoor parties in recent weeks.

Yesterday (Thursday 25 June) the total number of reports of large gatherings was 39, and the number of raves seen across Greater Manchester in the past few weeks is two, one in Carrington and the other in Oldham.

The risk of Coronavirus is still present and attending events in large groups is in breach of Covid legislation. Social distancing guidelines still apply, and large amounts of people stood closely together increases the risk to other members of the public.

Police will attend and assess these gatherings to consider any wider risks to the public.

However, due to the large amount of resourcing needed to police these events, GMP is asking people not to attend any gatherings, so they can prioritise other critical incidents that require an emergency response.

ACC Mabs Hussain said: “Our officers respond to incidents in order to protect the public. When they arrive at a scene and are then subsequently attacked for doing their job, it is unacceptable. We do not tolerate these attacks as they don’t deserve to be treated in this way.

“These are the officers that the same community will call upon when they require our assistance. These officers will be there for them in times of need, so attacking someone who will also be there for you in your own time of need will not be tolerated.

“This weekend we are again increasing our resources dedicated to preventing illegal raves and large gatherings. Last weekend we disrupted at least 13 raves from taking place and again we will do all we can to prevent any from happening this weekend. When we see illegal activity taking place, we will take action. If you attend an illegal rave you may face arrest and prosecution. Our advice is don’t do it.”