Two renegade raves in Manchester, U.K. drew 6,000 attendees on Saturday despite restrictions put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Marring organizers’ reputation further were the sexual assault of an 18-year-old attendee, the stabbing-related injuries of three others, and the death by suspected overdose of one more according to The Guardian.
At the time of writing, U.K. coronavirus restrictions still forbid gatherings of more than six. “Those who attended put themselves and their loved ones at risk,” Labour Party Deputy Leader Angela Rayner tweeted. “Completely irresponsible. A lot of effort went into online events this weekend across GM. Those who attended should be ashamed of themselves. My local area now has to deal with the aftermath.”
This weekend, over 6000 people in Manchester broke lockdown to attend illegal raves.
Now @gmpolice are investigating 3 stabbings, a drugs related death and a rape. pic.twitter.com/Avv3E4fWZ3
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) June 15, 2020
Despite ample law enforcement presence, officers opted not to disperse the events. “The biggest concern we often have is that if we don’t get the proportionate police action correct then other people can get hurt,” GMP Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes told Manchester Evening News.
One of the stabbing victims was in critical condition after the incident, but is presently stable after receiving onsite first aid and being transported to a nearby hospital.
Image credit: Aleksander Pasaric
