A HOMEOWNER is “absolutely livid” after a group of more than 20 people held an indoor rave next door.

Furious Trevor Roberts said the partygoers had DJ turntables and strobe lighting which kept his family awake until the early hours. The party happened before the city went into Tier 4 but police were called over the then Tier 2 restrictions.

The 49-year-old called police at 10pm, who arrived in St Leonards Road, Hove, along with the homeowner, to disperse the crowd from the building, which is rented out to visitors.

Mr Roberts said he counted “at least 25 people” at the house party with taxis turning up.

“It was a full-scale party, there was strobe lighting within the property. They brought their own DJ turntables and they brought their own speakers,” he said.

“It was a full-on event. There was so much noise. When it all finished, I counted at least 25 people walking out of the property. During that time, two taxis arrived with people wanting to turn up to the event.

“It was a proper old-school indoor rave.

“I’m absolutely livid.”

No one was arrested for the party as those present “complied with the direction to leave”, Sussex Police told The Argus.

Under the then Tier 2 Covid-19 restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of the virus, social mixing outside households or support bubbles was not allowed indoors.

However, you could meet in a group of up to six outside at that time.

Breaking these rules can be punished by police with a fine of £200 for the first offence, doubling for each further offence up to £6,400. A student was fined £10,000 after a gathering in Norwich Drive, Brighton, in October.

A police spokesman said: “On Saturday, December 19, officers responded to reports of a party at an address in St Leonards Road, Hove.

“On police attendance and with the support of the homeowner, a number of people were directed to leave, in line with the force stance of engaging, explaining, encouraging and if required, enforcing.

“In this case, those present complied with the direction to leave and no arrests were made. We wish to thank the overwhelming majority of the public who continue to keep our community safe by complying with the government regulations.”

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Phélim Mac Cafferty said: “We all have a duty to ensure each other’s safety in these very difficult Covid times.

“The more time you spend with people, the more chance you have of bringing Covid into your home and into other people’s homes.

“So please keep contact with other people to a minimum.

“The number of new Covid cases is growing rapidly, which is cause for serious concern. Please stay at home as much as possible.

“The city council would like to thank everyone in our city who has already changed their plans and is following the guidelines.

“Please continue to think hands, face, space – for all our sakes.”