28 illegal parties broken up in one night by West Midlands Police

The force said they had broken up 28 illegal raves and street parties across Birmingham and the surrounding area, including a 70-person unlicensed street music event in Nechells, in the early hours of Saturday, August 8.

Another event broken up was a rave being set up in Birmingham with a DJ set up and food equipment, both of which were dismantled and put away.

The gatherings, which breached rules around Covid-19, were managed by the force under Operation Reliant.

Superintendent Jack Hadley put out a series of tweets describing the work his officers were doing to control the events.

Superintendent Hadley said officers want to keep young people safe by preventing disorder and crime.

He also shared an overhead infrared image which showed people "flaunting" social distancing guidelines in a park.

He said: "Our dedicated Op. Reliant officers tonight have broke up 28 separate large gatherings and street parties across the force area.

"We hope this has kept our young people safe by preventing disorder, crimes and breaches of Covid regulations. #OpReliant

"Officers are currently dispersing a group of over 70 people at an unlicensed street music event in Nechells....positive engagement and encouragement to disperse has been effectively used.

"Our officers have disrupted a rave being set up in Birmingham.

"DJ and food equipment dismantled and a number of young people dispersed from the area #OpReliant

"Even at 00.20hrs we are still having large groups gathering.

"Our eye in the sky is assisting us to prevent crime and disorder.

"Officers are on all night to deal with people that insist on flaunting social distancing guidelines!"

Chief Constable Dave Thompson praised his officers for the hard work they had put in during the night.

He said: "Thank you for the great work.

"Large gatherings are in breach of COVID regs, are dangerous unlicensed events and disturb the public.

West Midlands Police have been contacted for further details.