There were 86 separate incidents reported last Saturday alone

More than 500 illegal raves have been organised across London in the past month, police said as they released body-camera footage of an intervention at a street party that left 22 officers injured.

Recorded at an illegal event in Angel Town Estate in Brixton on 25 June, the video shows officers being struck by bottles and other flying objects, while voices can be heard shouting “hold the line” and “missiles, missiles”.

The Metropolitan Police has received information on more than 530 events, roughly 23 per day across London since the Brixton rave. Last Saturday alone, 86 separate incidents were reported, including an illegal street party in Finsbury Park, which also resulted in officers being injured by flying objects as they tried to disperse crowds.

Scotland Yard is determined to clamp down on “dangerous” unlicensed events and to tackle the surge in street parties, which have been ongoing since the easing of the coronavirus lockdown measures, but fears further disorder this weekend.

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Commander Ade Adelekan warned there is a “very real risk” of violence.

He added: “During previous events a small minority have targeted police officers with extreme violence, resulting in police officers being injured.

“We also have to remember that the country remains in a national health crisis.

“It is vitally important we all play our part in avoiding mass gatherings to help protect ourselves, family and friends.”

Commander Adelekan also said the fear illegal raves creates for communities is “totally unacceptable”, as the Met released 999 calls from residents reporting mass gatherings.

He, added: “I would urge anyone who has any information on a UME to reach out and let us know. The earlier we have information, the sooner we can act and ensure that crowds are sent away and sounds systems are turned off and seized. Help us to keep your community safe.

“You can report matters by dialling 101 or by call(ing) Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, you should dial 999.” 

 On the video one man can be heard saying: “Hi, there’s an illegal rave outside. There’s hundreds of them and they’re very noisy, very crowdy and there’s more coming.”

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Another man says partygoers have “blockaded the road”, while a woman complains they are “shouting, making too much noise, bottles everywhere”.

One caller says: “It’s just scary, you just don’t know what to do.”covid

Police across the country have faced an exponential rise in the number of illegal raves since the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions were relaxed.

Avon and Somerset Police said they were powerless to stop a 3,000-strong illegal event at the former RAF Charmy Down airfield near Bath last weekend, while Greater Manchester Police said it had dismantled a planned illegal rave on Saturday.

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