Police Shut Down Illegal Warehouse Rave With Over 400 People in Cambridgeshire

Police in Cambridgeshire shut down an illegal warehouse rave early Sunday morning after discovering more than 400 people gathered inside an industrial unit in St Ives.

Officers came across the event while patrolling the area and entered the building on Burrel Road at about 01:30 GMT. According to Cambridgeshire Police, dozens of officers attended the scene along with a police dog unit.

Inside the warehouse, a stage and sound system had already been set up and hundreds of people were present. Police moved in to disperse the crowd and prevent more attendees from arriving.

A dispersal order was put in place for the surrounding area while officers cleared the building. Authorities also seized sound equipment and cut the power supply to the unit. After the operation, the premises were secured and boarded up to prevent further use.

Three people were arrested during the incident. The individuals, from Doddington in Cambridgeshire, Swindon in Wiltshire, and Stroud in Gloucestershire, were arrested on suspicion of offences including burglary, possession of drugs, and violent disorder. They have since been released on bail while investigations continue.

Inspector Colin Norden from Cambridgeshire Police said illegal raves will not be tolerated and warned that sound equipment found at such events can be seized.

He also noted that people leaving these gatherings and attempting to drive may be breath tested by officers.

Illegal warehouse parties have long existed within underground rave culture, particularly in industrial spaces where large sound systems can be installed quickly. However, events organized without permission often lead to police intervention due to safety concerns, property damage, and noise complaints.

Authorities confirmed that more than 400 people were dispersed from the site, and no serious injuries were reported during the operation.