Complaints over loud music led police to break up an open-air party in Hawkchurch on the night of Friday, July 31st.

Officers said attempts to negotiate with organisers prior to and at the start of the event failed to prevent the music being halted and it was declared an unlicensed gathering under section 63 0f the Public Order Act.

In the early hours of August 1st, police units entered the site and seized the sound equipment, preventing the event from continuing.

The incident has led to debate on social media with some describing the event as an illegal rave while others argue it was just a birthday party.

The BBC reported that 200 people attended the event and there were 100 cars on site, but police have not yet confirmed this.