POLICE officers were pelted with missiles by a hostile crowd early this morning as they tried to break up an illegal rave in a west Suffolk town.

Jonathan Schofield

POLICE officers were pelted with missiles by a hostile crowd early this morning as they tried to break up an illegal rave in a west Suffolk town.

Officers were called just before midnight last night after reports that an illegal rave was taking place at a disused warehouse in Homefield Road, Haverhill.

When they arrived at the scene more than 200 people were already inside the building.

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said a number of people started to react in a hostile manner when a notice to close down the rave was issued at 1.40am and missiles were thrown at officers.

A Police Support Unit, the force helicopter and Essex Police's helicopter were brought in to support officers on the ground as they tried to disperse the crowd which finally cleared at 7.20am.

Following the incident, which saw four men arrested, Suffolk Police issued a warning that tough action would be taken against illegal raves in the county.

Superintendent Debbie Griffiths said: “At last night's rave missiles were thrown at officers and it is fortunate that no-one was injured by any of them. The warehouse was damaged and the rave caused some nuisance to residents and businesses in the area through noise and disruption.

“I want to warn anyone who is considering organising a rave that they will face prosecution for holding such an event. We will also seek to prosecute anyone attending a rave who commits other offences, such as damage.”

She added that inquiries were ongoing and officers would be working at the warehouse throughout the day to examine the scene and seize equipment.

The four men arrested on suspicion of being involved in the organisation of the rave are a 22 year old from Baldock in Hertfordshire, a 25 year old and a 22 year old both from Letchworth, Hertfordshire, and a 19 year old of no fixed abode.

All four are currently in custody at Bury Police Station where they will be questioned today.

Anyone with information about the rave should call DI Stuart Jeans at Bury CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.