Arrests made and equipment seized as illegal rave near Chichester with 2,500 attendants shut down

The unlicensed event, which was attended by approximately 2,500 people, took place in Charlton Forest, near Chichester, on Saturday (April 19) and caused serious disruption.

After closing nearby roads in order to ensure the safety of the public, police officers authorised Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, which gives officers the power to remove people attending or preparing for a rave.

Of those arrested, 19 were on suspicion of drug-driving, and at least 22 had travelled from outside the county – some from as far afield as Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Devon, and Norfolk.

Now, two men in their twenties have been charged with failing to provide a specimen for analysis. Scott Jenkins, 21, of Church Lane, Bedford, Bedfordshire and Jean-Luc Burch, 24, of Osmond Gardens, Wallington, Sutton have both been released on bail, and are due to appear at Worthing Magistrates Court next month; Scott Jenkins on May 6, and Jean-Luc Burch on May 20.

Among the others arrested was a 32-year-old from Midhurst, apprehended on suspicion of drug-driving, careless driving, failing to stop a vehicle when required by police and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. he has been released on bail until 16 July.

Chief Superintendent Stu Hale said: “It is hugely disappointing that so many people have travelled from far and wide to attend this event, which happened on private land without the landowner’s permission.

“Events of this nature will not be tolerated in Sussex for a number of reasons. They put lives at risk through the mindless actions of individuals who choose to drive while over the limit for drink or drugs, and they cause disruption to the highways network through road closures and abandoned vehicles, which impacts on the ability of emergency services to access people who may be in need.

“They have an adverse effect on wildlife, the environment, landowners, and local residents. They also result in a huge strain on emergency services resources, but the bottom line is they are illegal.

The event will now be subject to an investigation, and anyone with any information or camera footage is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Wish.

Conservative MP Andrew Griffiths was also aware of the incident, and made sure to thank officers for all their hard work.

“Without fire safety checks, emergency medical services, or crowd control measures, people are vulnerable to injury, overdose, or even death. Drug use is often widespread at these events, contributing to medical emergencies that organisers make no provision for – on site first aiders or even clear access for ambulances to get to young people overdosing for example,” he said.

“This event took place in a remote, agricultural location. Not all livestock will yet have given birth, and the stress induced could lead to still births as well as the litter and destruction of habitats.

“Rave organisers profit from ticket sales and drug distribution without contributing to the local economy or paying for necessary licenses. This creates unfair competition for those venues that do follow legal guidelines and invest in safety, staff, and infrastructure.”

Photos by Eddie Mitchell