Covid: Hundreds gather for Manchester illegal rave

Hundreds of people who ignored Covid rules to attend an illegal rave in a city centre have been condemned as "selfish and dangerous".

People were seen singing and dancing along to a DJ set at the Castlefield Bowl outdoor arena in Manchester on Wednesday evening.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were trying to find out who organised the gathering.

Councillor Pat Karney said the people were "letting Manchester down".

"If you play live music at any of these gatherings your equipment will be seized," said the Labour councillor, who is an associate member of the Manchester City Council executive.

GMP said officers spent all of Wednesday patrolling the Castlefield Bowl area and "were continually monitoring and engaging with groups of individuals to engage, explain and encourage compliance with the Covid rules and regulations".

The force said music equipment was set up as numbers increased in the evening.

"As officers attempted to engage with a group at the scene they were met with hostility causing them to withdraw," a spokesman said.

GMP said the gathering was "swiftly dispersed" when reinforcements arrived.

No fixed penalty notices were issued "but inquiries are ongoing to locate the organiser", the force added.

Insp Jonathan Shilvock said the gathering was a "clear breach" of coronavirus rules and regulations.

"As a result of this gathering we were forced to deploy additional officers from across the City of Manchester division. Thankfully, upon their arrival the group did quickly disperse at the sight of them," he said.

"We appreciate that people will want to socialise due to the warm weather and the recent relaxation of the rules, but I want to remind people that this pandemic is not over and we all share a collective responsibility in complying with the rules and keeping infection rates down."

On Thursday morning, council workers could be seen clearing rubbish that had been left behind into large blue sacks.

Castlefield Bowl is used for outdoor concerts or gatherings such as a live screenings of football matches.

On Tuesday, Heath Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted to say "don't blow it" as thousands gathered to enjoy the weather in outdoor spaces, prompting social distancing concerns.