Farmer forced to pour slurry on field to stop illegal ravers 'furious with police'

The farmer poured his slurry onto a field full of illegal ravers (Stock photo)
The farmer poured his slurry onto a field full of illegal ravers (Stock photo)

A Cambridgeshire farmer who poured slurry on land to stop it being used by illegal ravers has said he was forced to act after police 'stood around and did nothing'.

Farmer David Rolls said he was furious with police inaction after an illegal rave was attended by around 150 people on his land.

Fearing for the safety of his animals after dangerous litter was left on the field, Mr Rolls called the police in the hope they would be moved along.

Riot police and other officers arrived at the scene just after 1am but revellers did not leave the site until almost 12 hours later.

Mr Rolls was reportedly left furious after police 'stood around' as the illegal ravers partied in his field between the villages of Arrington and Longstowe, near Cambridge.

'Stood there watching'

Mr Rolls told Cambridge News that four riot vans and various other police cars turned up but they 'just stood there watching.'

He said: "The police said it was too dangerous to let them drive off.

"So they just stood around. My neighbour came to help and drove a tractor with slurry into the field. Police said if the slurry went on them, the police, my neighbour would be done for assault.

"I am in a right state," Mr Rolls said.

"My livelihood is at stake with damage to my crops with broken bottles everywhere. I grow grass for hay and if I harvest it with broken glass in it the horses that eat it could die.

"The ravers are ignorant idiots who don’t realise the damage they have caused because they are ignorant.

"I am furious at the police. They did nothing to protect us. I’ve probably lost tens of thousands of pounds from this."

'Great deal of disruption'

Rural organisation the CLA has advised farmers and landowners to reduce the risk of any illegal activity occurring in empty and remote buildings by ensuring they are secure and regularly monitored.

The organisation says that access to land should be restricted wherever possible by the use of locked gates.

CLA East Regional Director Ben Underwood said: “Illegal raves cause a great deal of disruption to local communities, with the resulting mess causing considerable harm to both wildlife and the environment.

“These illegal gatherings can also create unnecessary problems for landowners, who could fall victim to considerable clean-up costs and expensive repairs to outbuildings.

“We urge farmers and landowners to help the Police by reporting any suspicious activity, as early intervention and good local intelligence can prevent these illegal events from taking place.

“Officers find it much harder to shut down a rave once it has already started so if you spot anyone suspicious on rural land or a number of unfamiliar vehicles in your area, then please report any such activity on the non-emergency number of 101 as soon as possible.”