Kent Police shut down unlicensed music event in Darenth Country Park
10:18, 23 August 2020
updated: 11:24, 23 August 2020
An unlicensed music event at Darenth Country Park was shut down by police last night.
Officers took action at 8pm, and a dispersal order has been put in place until 6am on Monday. Officers are remaining in the area to prevent further gatherings.
A spokesman for the force said: "Kent Police attended Darenth Country Park at 8pm on Saturday 22 August 2020 following a report of an unlicensed music event.
"A small number of people were dispersed and sound equipment was seized.
"A dispersal order was put in place until 6am on Monday 24 August and officers will remain in the area to engage with the public and prevent any further gatherings."
It is understood less than 20 people were in the area when police arrived.
From Friday, police in England will be able to fine organisers of illegal gatherings with more than 30 people up to £10,000.
Police say they have dispersed hundreds of illegal gatherings since coronavirus restrictions were introduced.
Several illegal events in Kent have been shut down. In June, two people were stabbed at a large beach rave in Leysdown.
On one night in July, more than 100 people were sent home after raves near Canterbury and Maidstone.
More recently, a beach 'cook out' near New Romney descended into chaos and four police officers were injured.
