Police seized sound equipment to shut down an illegal rave at Hawkchurch in the early hours of Saturday (August 1).

It was reported that about 200 people attended the open air event at Courshay leading to complaints about loud noise. Around 100 cars were parked near the village site.

Officers had earlier tried to negotiate with the organisers but failed to prevent the music being played.

The BBC reported that over almost five hours Devon and Cornwall Police sent in a number of units to clear the site under section 63 0f the Public Order Act.

Sound equipment was confiscated and police dogs were used to break up the party.

It is understood that no arrests have been made.

In a statement Hawkchurch Parish Council told The Herald said: “The Parish Council are disappointed that the event took place within the parish and during a national pandemic.

“Hosting such an event showed disregard, not only for the health and safety of other residents but also for farmers and their livestock, which would have been distressed by the unusual activity and noise. We are grateful to the police and the environmental services for their intervention.”