RAVING MAD
Cops break up illegal rave as 200 ‘muppets’ filmed hugging and inhaling ‘hippy crack’ on nature reserve
HUNDREDS of revellers were filmed breaking lockdown rules to party at an illegal rave on a nature reserve.
Footage shows crowds hugging and inhaling "hippy crack" as more than 200 covidiots partied around a DJ with decks and a sound system.
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Partygoers carrying torches waded across the River Aire to reach the rave which started around 7pm on Monday.
Up to 50 officers were called to shut down the illegal party on Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Sound equipment, mixing decks, lights and gazebos were set up as the reckless ravers flouted coronavirus social distancing rules.
They downed Caribbean punch from 5-litre containers and firefighters rescued one female partygoer who got into trouble in the water as she crossed the river.
Police made three arrests and a force helicopter was also scrambled and patrolled the area until midnight.
As well as the arrests police seized sound equipment, and the revellers were still seen dispersing at 5am.
The Kirkstall Valley community group slammed those who attended the rave.
They described the incident as "a disgraceful act against nature";.
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They wrote on Facebook: "Well the fine youth of Leeds ONCE AGAIN show NO RESPECT for wildlife in bird breeding season never mind lock down.
"We hope fines will have been enforced not just a warning. This is not just breaking lockdown. This is breaking the WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION ACT.
"We are left heart broken for the likely damage to birds nests and their young and to other species breeding at this time of year.
"We are DISGUSTED with the LITTLE RESPECT people show for wildlife thinking only of themselves and where they can get the next high from."
'NO RESPECT'
Disgusted locals vented their fury online over the illegal rave, advertised on Snapchat.
Nicola Rayner said: "People putting their lives at risk...key workers, frontline staff and then this...absolutely disgraceful!"
Lisa Sunderland added: "Absolute muppets.
"Show them images of what frontline doctors and nurses are dealing with and get them to sign a waiver that they will not need the NHS in the event of illness.
"Absolute disgrace."
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West Yorkshire Police said young people were seen wading across the river to get to the party and officers were called at 6.37pm.
A spokesman said: "There were also concerns for the safety of individuals attending, as a shallow part of the river was being used as a crossing.
"Officers attended alongside other emergency services and three arrests were made. Sound equipment was also seized."
Superintendent Chris Bowen of West Yorkshire Police said: "We would urge people to consider their own safety and the safety of others, particularly during the warmer weather and the ongoing period of lockdown.
"We will continue to work alongside our partners to engage, explain and encourage in a way that will influence people’s behaviours, using enforcement only in the circumstances that we have to."
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