‘Sound systems will be seized’: Police respond to THAT Hyde Park rave

‘Enforcement is clearly a last resort’, Police say


West Yorkshire Police have responded to the rave that took place last Friday in Hyde Park, saying that sound systems will be seized if restrictions are deemed to be breached at future events.

Police were called to Hyde Park at 9pm on Friday after reports of a gathering.

This turned out to be a well-organised rave with a sound system and a barbecue.

A spokesperson for the police said that officers who arrived on the scene took the “approach of engaging, encouraging and explaining before attendees later dispersed from the area.”

Local residents have suggested that the party went on until 3am however, after which ravers left their rubbish piled high.

West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Tim Kingsman said: “We continue to engage with the public and explain our approach, particularly where large gathering could potentially contribute to the spread of COVID-19.

“We will take pre-emptive action to prevent significant numbers from congregating and sound systems will be seized where there is information to suggest a breach in restrictions, however, as we have said throughout, enforcement is clearly a last resort.

“Given we have only just seen further restrictions imposed upon parts of West Yorkshire, I would urge people to use their common sense and think about their own safety and the safety of others during these unprecedented times.”