AN ILLEGAL rave was stopped by police after revellers took over a piece of farmland.

The partygoers moved on to the National Trust owned land at Saddlescombe Farm late on Saturday night and installed a sound system.

The event carried on into Sunday morning when the rain started to get worse and police officers ordered the music to be shut down and the revellers to clean up their mess.

Camila Puzey, tenant farmer on the land, said the farm is often used for raves and her husband tried to disperse the group before the police arrived.

She said: “This is not the first time we have had this near to the farm. My husband was up at 5am trying to get them to leave the farm and in the end the police came – it all finished in the morning thanks to the rain.

“It is not nice for the animals, they leave mess, damage the grassland, wild flowers and disturb the wildlife – they have left rubbish they expect us to clean up.

“It is not a particularly nice thing and they are just not welcome – I understand these are children from Brighton saying they have nothing to do but that is not an excuse, this is our livelihood.

“This year this has been the first one but that is because we put massive concrete blocks in place and move the sheep onto particular fields."

Mrs Puzey also commended the work of Sussex Police in tackling the rave, saying "they do their best and they were great and supportive."

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “After police intervention at approximately 9am the music system was disconnected and removed from the scene along with approximately 40 persons.

“Those present were instructed to remove all rubbish from the area which was completed.

“Due to a number of intoxicated persons leaving the scene on foot police presence was maintained whilst they dispersed to ensure passing motorists were aware of them crossing the carriageway.

“One male was arrested as he left the scene as he was confrontational with police. But he was de-arrested nearby after he had calmed down and peace was restored.”