Police busted an illegal rave at Belhus Park in South Ockendon on Saturday night, after angry residents blew the whistle.

Officers arrived at the site at about 7.50pm after receiving calls from residents who had heard loud music.

Around 30 revellers had ‘set up camp’ at the site with sound equipment, with others making their way to the site.

The rave took police four hours to clear as police stayed at the park to prevent further people from entering.

No arrests were made, but one 19-year-old man from South Ockendon was cautioned for failing to leave as directed.”

Police said the unlicenced and ‘illegal’ event was ordered to move on through the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

A statement from Essex Police said: “Police attended Belhus Park in South Ockendon following reports of loud music being played at Belhus Park in South Ockendon and groups of people heading for the site.

“The event was not licenced and was being held illegally. Police spoke with the organisers and ordered them to leave under Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.”

The park was the site of a traveller ‘incursion’ of over 70 caravans a few weeks ago, which led to criminal damage at the site and police and bailiffs moving in to evict the travellers over a few days.

Damage to the park and costs were estimated at about £36,000 from the travellers, Impulse Leisure Centre Manager Mike Baden said.