Illegal ravers threw objects at police before fleeing across M65 near Hapton

Officers were called to Wordsworth Street following reports an illegal music event was taking place under a bridge on the M65 shortly before 12.50am on Sunday (November 1).

Attendees of the rave, who police say were of various ages, initially threw objects at police before fleeing the scene.

A temporary motorway closure was then put in place by police after motorists reported they had seen people running across the M65 in a bid to evade police.

Police say they are continuing to investigate the incident and are keen to hear from anyone with information - particularly about the organisers of the event - to come forward.

Insp Damian Pemberton, of Burnley Police, said: "While the vast majority of the community are doing their bit to try and keep the coronavirus infection rate as low as possible, there is a minority who are putting the health and safety of others at risk by acting in a selfish and reckless manner.

"We will collectively target those who flout the restrictions, particularly those organising large gatherings and music events."

Anyone with information and/or dashcam or CCTV footage has been urged to contact police by calling 101 or emailing [email protected], quoting log 0088 of November 1.

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