08/04/2026
UPDATE | We have successfully dispersed an unauthorised music event near East Lulworth following robust intervention by officers.
The incident was first reported to us at around 11.45pm on Saturday 4 April 2026. It is believed that around 2,000 people were in attendance, with in excess of 100 vehicles present in the area.
Since the first report was made, we have remained on-site and worked tirelessly throughout the day and into the evening to ensure the event was brought to a safe conclusion.
We took proactive and robust action resulting in Dorset Police seizing equipment under section 64 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. In addition, we have made 10 arrests for offences including driving while under the influence and assaulting an emergency worker.
While responding to the incident, our officers came under attack from missiles and faced a violent and hostile reception. Violence in our communities and against our officers will not be tolerated. These types of events are illegal and cause a significant disruption to communities – we must respond to ensure the safety of everyone and it is unacceptable that we are faced with violence while doing so.
We would like to thank the local community for their understanding while we put in action our plans to disperse the event. This has had a significant impact on residents and visitors and we took swift, proportionate action, using powers available to us, as soon as we could.
Officers from Dorset Police were joined by officers from forces across the country and we are grateful to everyone involved for helping to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.
We will not tolerate unlicensed music events because of the increased risks they present and the impact they have on our communities and those visiting the area. We will continue now to review evidence from the scene to identify any further offences committed and detailed enquiries will be carried out.
