More than 400 people attend illegal rave in Leeds in underpass of M1 motorway

More than 400 people attended an illegal rave in the Leeds underpass of the M1 motorway this weekend.

Shortly after 10pm on Saturday, police received reports of an illegal rave being held off Knowsthorpe Lane, Leeds, in an underpass of the M1 motorway at junction 45.

Officers attended and dispersed the crowd, estimated at 400 to 600 people.

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There were no arrests and no reports of anyone being injured in any incidents, police said.

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Concerns were raised for the safety of those attempting to leave the area as they were walking within the motorway network. A closure was put on the motorway for a short time to ensure people’s safety.

Chief Superintendent Damien Miller, Leeds District Commander, said: “While these events are unlawful at any time and cause significant disruption, they clearly create an additional unnecessary risk to public health amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Current restrictions prohibit outdoor gatherings of more than six people and we continue to ask the public to be mindful of their own health and safety and that of the wider public by following the current guidelines.

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“We have specific powers to stop illegal raves and there remains a city-wide injunction in place to tackle the anti-social use of motor vehicles. We will continue to make full use of these powers to deal with any further events.

“We are also continuing to carry out follow-up enquiries and working with Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team to take appropriate action around those involved in organising these events.

“Our general stance in terms of Coronavirus restrictions is to engage, explain and encourage to influence people’s behaviour and to only use enforcement where necessary.

“Coronavirus remains a deadly disease and we would ask that people recognise the risks their behaviour can create and urge them to behave responsibly in line with the current restrictions.”