SEVEN people were arrested during a crackdown on illegal rave activity in Thetford Forest over the bank holiday weekend.

Officers from Norfolk and Suffolk were called to an unlicensed music event on Sunday and intercepted others carrying music equipment.

Police stopped a van travelling on the A134 near Croxton, shortly before 11.30pm on June 2 and seized sound equipment.Seven people were arrested in connection with the incident – five on suspicion of drug offences and two on suspicion of being concerned in conspiracy to commit public nuisance.

All suspects were taken to Bury St Edmunds police station where they were interviewed by officers and bailed while enquiries continue.

Meanwhile, at 7.45am on June 3, police were called to an area of Thetford Forest following reports of an unlicensed music event near Mundford.

Officers attended and discovered more than 300 people in attendance along with 100 vehicles. Police worked to disrupt the event, which was concluded by 2.20pm with officers seizing a large amount of sound equipment.

Superintendent Nick Davison, who led the operation, said: “The action taken to prevent and disrupt these events falls in line with our zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed music events, which are potentially dangerous and cause unnecessary damage and disruption.

“While officers on the ground liaised with people attending this morning’s event it became apparent that, weather dependent, it had been their intention to hold a three-day event. This would have caused considerable disruption to the local community had it not been for the positive action taken by Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies.”

“As the extended Bank Holiday weekend continues I want to make it quite clear that we will deal robustly with anyone found to be holding or organising an unlicensed or illegal music event.”