300 Packed Into Illegal Hackney Rave as Cops Descend with Helicopter
Unlicensed Party Crashed in Railway Arch
Thanks to a tip-off, police swooped on a suspected unlicensed music event in Hackney on the night of Saturday, 23 January. Just after 1.30am, officers found booming music and hundreds packed into a railway arch on Nursery Road, E9.
Lockdown Defiers Fight Police, Take Dangerous Risks
Despite officers’ efforts to engage, organisers snubbed the law and padlocked the doors from the inside. When police forced entry, they faced a packed crowd of around 300 revellers in a tiny space. Panic led many to scale fences or force gates to escape the crackdown.
Mass Fines and Strong Police Warning
- 78 attendees hit with £200 fixed penalty notices for breaking Covid rules
- Deployment included public order squads, dog units, and a police helicopter
Chief Superintendent Roy Smith slammed the risky behaviour: “This was a serious and blatant breach of public health rules and law. Officers put themselves at risk dealing with selfish crowds packed tightly indoors, making it a perfect virus spreader. Our frontline officers police this crisis with professionalism, yet face needless risks to themselves and their families.”
He added a stark warning to partygoers: “We will always try to engage and explain, but anyone blatantly ignoring safety and law can expect swift action. Not just organisers, but all involved illegal attendees will be fined.”
