At least 23 have been arrested after police responded to an illegal rave in a field attended by over 1,000 people.

Photos and video showed crowds dancing in a field in front of speakers on the South Downs in Sussex earlier today.

Under current coronavirus rules, gatherings must not exceed 30 people unless they are covered by a legal exemption.

Organisers of illegal gatherings of more than 50 people outdoors can face fines of up to £10,000.

Sussex Police said they responded to ‘a large, unlicensed music event’ near Steyning, West Sussex, this morning.

They said those arrested, who were taken into custody, were suspected of offences including drink and drug-driving, possession of drugs and theft.

Various roads were shut as police dealt with the incident, and cars were being stopped by officers to check that motorists were in a fit state to drive.

Chief Superintendent Nick May said: ‘Our priority is ensuring the safety of the community and everyone in the vicinity.

‘We have a significant number of officers at the scene working to bring the event to a safe and timely conclusion.

‘This is an ongoing matter and we thank the public for their patience and co-operation at this time.’

Drone footage from the scene showed large numbers of vehicles lined up along country roads in the area.

A Sussex Police spokesperson added this afternoon: ‘Emergency services have also been met with hostility at the site, with one police officer being assaulted.

‘A second officer has also been injured in a collision with a vehicle being driven by someone leaving the event.

‘The driver has been arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink/drugs.’

A significant number of people at the rave are thought to have travelled from outside Sussex and officers are trying to identify the organisers.

‘There continues to be disruption on the road network in the area owing to a large number of badly parked vehicles, and people are still urged to avoid the area if possible’, the spokesperson added.

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