AN investigation was launched today following an illegal rave in a Suffolk forest.

Up to 200 revellers are believed to have turned out to Rendlesham Forest in the early hours of this morning.

Police were alerted to the incident when an officer on patrol was told by a group of youths that they were off to a party in the forest.

The force helicopter was mobilised to monitor the situation and more officers were called in.

Police then received calls from concerned members of the public reporting noise coming from the forest.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary said officers tried to bring the event to a close but when that failed they went onto the site and seized sound equipment.

“Late last night a police officer on patrol came across a group of youths who said they were heading to a party in the forest,” she said.

“Officers blocked off routes that were being used to enter the site, where between 100 and 200 people are believe to have gathered, and liaised with those at the site to try to bring the event to a close.

“When this failed to stop the noise, just after 4am this morning, police went onto the site and seized the sound equipment.”