POLICE have seized equipment and closed a road after hundreds gathered for an illegal beach rave last night.

Officers shut down the unlicensed music event at a stretch of beach in South Portslade at about 7pm yesterday.

Access to the location was closed under public order legislation and those who attended were told to leave.

Pictures taken from the scene show crowds gathered on the seafront, as officers moved in to disperse them.

Sound equipment that had been brought to the location was seized and the event was brought to a "timely conclusion".

However, officers attended the beach again at 10.30 this morning and seized yet more sound equipment to prevent a second illegal rave.

A spokesman from Sussex Police said: "There will be a strong police presence across Sussex today.

"We will not tolerate unlicensed events that breach current Covid-19 safety regulations.

"We will take robust action against individuals where any offences are committed."