Hundreds of revellers descended on a Kent industrial unit for an illegal rave.

Police were forced to break up the unlicensed music event in Swanley involving around 500 people, which left the building trashed.

Officers were called to reports of a large group of people causing a disturbance in Mark Way in Goldsel Road at around 12.15am.

VIDEO: Posted on Twitter by @AiryMoss

They discovered up to 500 people had entered the unit without the owner’s permission for an illegal rave, causing a huge amount of damage.

Equipment was seized and 12 people were arrested on suspicion of drug possession, criminal damage, theft, and public nuisance offences. All have since been released, some without charge, others pending further inquiries.

Kent Police worked with the British Transport Police to ensure the attendees, the majority of whom came from outside Kent, could leave the area safely on the first available trains. The site had been cleared by 7am.

Footage has since been posted online of hundreds of people running through the streets of Swanley in the early hours.

"Sadly for the owners a large amount of damage was caused during the event" - Det Supt Ann Lisseman

Detective Superintendent Ann Lisseman said: "Although unlicensed music events in Kent are thankfully rare, they can cause a number of issues, including damage, noise, and disorder.

"They attract large numbers to unoccupied properties which can cause safety issues for those attending, especially if the building has not been maintained.

"In this case, it was a new building, and sadly for the owners a large amount of damage was caused during the event.

"We urge people to only attend lawful and licensed music events and ask parents to ensure they know where their children are and make them aware of the potential dangers and consequences of attending unlicensed events.

"I hope that the message following this recent event is clear: We recognise the detrimental effect unlicensed events can have on a community, we do not tolerate disorder and we will take action against anyone who breaks the law."

Arrests:

The 17-year-old boy from Poplar, London, has been released pending further enquiries.

The 19-year-old man from London has been released without charge.

The 17-year-old boy from Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, has been released on bail pending further enquiries until 18 August 2017.

The 40-year-old man from Hounslow, London, has been released without charge.

The 18-year-old man from Orpington has been released without charge.

The 17-year-old boy from East Ham, London, has been released without charge.

The 20-year-old man from Dagenham, Essex, has been released pending further enquiries.

The 17-year-old girl from Barnet, London, has been released pending further enquiries.

The 20-year-old man from Bedfont, London, has been released without charge.

The 20-year-old man from Richmond, Surrey, has been released pending further enquiries.

The 17-year-old boy from Gravesend has been released without charge.

The 41-year-old man from Shepherds Bush, London, was issued with a cannabis warning but otherwise released without charge.