Violence erupted at an illegal free party on Ministry of Defence land in Lulworth, Dorset, over the Easter bank holiday weekend, with police and ravers offering conflicting accounts of how the trouble began. The event, known as Eggtek, attracted around 2,000 people to a field for a weekend of techno music, despite being prohibited under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.
Dorset Police say officers were met with hostility and attacked with missiles, including plastic bottles and drink cans, and that their response using batons, riot shields, dogs and pepper spray was proportionate. However, partygoers allege they were shocked by the level of force used, with footage showing individuals being dragged along the ground, bloodied and beaten. One man reportedly suffered a fractured nose, wrist and toe, while a woman was pictured with a bleeding head wound.
One raver described the initial atmosphere as 'beautiful' and 'chilled', claiming that police sent in the riot squad without provocation. Another said their crew was attacked with batons for 'just standing there'. A photograph shows ravers helping police lift a vehicle out of a ditch before the confrontation turned violent.
Dorset Police have confirmed they have received complaints about the use of force, which they are reviewing. A spokesperson said: 'While responding to the incident involving a large number of people, our officers came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception. Violence in our communities and against our officers will not be tolerated.'
One attendee called for a proper investigation, saying: 'A lot of the people who went along to this event for some peaceful partying have been left injured and traumatised. What matters now is that everything is investigated properly and not just swept under the carpet.'
