On Halloween evening, numerous events in the U.K. were raided for violating restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 according to the Met Police. Among them were a gathering of 1,000 and another of 700 in East London and Bristol, respectively.
According to authorities, the East London event took place at Naval Row in the Poplar district. Seven individuals were apprehended in connection with the party. They each face fines of £10,000, and police seized sound systems and other equipment.
The Bristol gathering, meanwhile, began around 10:30 PM in a warehouse and extended through Sunday afternoon. Officers reported receiving verbal and physical abuse – including having things thrown at them – and attendees allegedly refused to disperse after receiving numerous orders and having the power to the building being turned off.
Greater Manchester police confronted a 300-person gathering at a farm near Wigan after the owner of the property learned that it was taking place. The tires of seven police vehicles had their tires slashed, and they found a machete in nearby bushes.
11 Halloween events were broken up in London alone, according to the Met Police. Parties in Hackney Wick, Stratford and Roseberry Places were also reported by authorities.
Back in June, nightlife professionals had predicted a summer of illegal raves on account of lawmakers’ failure to provide COVID-19 relief and establish a clear reopening timeline.
