AN illegal rave which was due to take place in a wood at Old Heath near Colchester has been stopped by Essex Police.

Officers were told by a local resident that messages on a social networking site indicated that a rave had been planned on land owned by the Ministry of Defence on Friday evening.

Officers made contact with the suspected organisers, a number of local teenagers, and told them that the illegal event should not go ahead on safety grounds.

Police patrols were carried out in the Old Heath area on Friday evening and officers spoke to a group of about 15 youths who were congregating near to the planned rave site.

Chf Insp Jon Hayter, the Tendring district commander, said: “Essex Police will not tolerate illegal events of this kind.

“This is a public safety issue and it is important to remember that illegal events are not regulated in relation to health and safety and that the environment is not necessarily a safe one.

“We are grateful to the local resident who told us what was being planned and would urge other people to do the same if they hear of similar events being planned.

“Early information is critical if we are to prevent a rave from taking place and I would urge the public the help us tackle these illegal events.”