Dorset Police have defended their use of force at an illegal free rave on Ministry of Defence land in Lulworth over the Easter bank holiday weekend, as conflicting accounts emerge from the event known as Eggtek.
Police say officers were met with hostility and attacked with missiles, including plastic bottles and drink cans, prompting a response involving batons, riot shields, dogs and pepper spray. 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.'
However, partygoers have described a different scene. One attendee said: 'The party was chilled until police sent in the riot squad.' Another claimed: 'Our crew was attacked by police with batons for just standing there.' Footage has emerged showing individuals being dragged along the ground and sustaining injuries including a fractured nose, wrist and toe, as well as head wounds.
The event, which attracted around 2,000 people, was illegal under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, which prohibits gatherings of more than 20 people on open land where music consists predominantly of repetitive beats. Organisers said they had previously tried to obtain licences but faced last-minute withdrawals by police or the council, leading them to organise free parties.
Dorset Police confirmed they have received complaints about the use of force, which will be reviewed in line with the force complaints procedure. One attendee said: 'What matters now is that everything is investigated properly and not just swept under the carpet.'
