POLICE were called to an illegal rave on Forestry Commission land in the Halwill and Beaworthy area over the Easter weekend.

Police had reports from nearby residents at around midnight on March 30 of noise in the area, and upon arrival discovered between 300 and 500 people at the rave.

At around 9am on March 31 police seized the sound systems at the rave using legislation under the Criminal Justice Public Order Act.

The police reassured residents that there was an increased level of policing activity following the incident to ensure everyone involved left the site.

The force has increased numbers of officers working over bank holiday weekends to ensure any illegal raves are swiftly resolved.