Three men have been charged after hundreds of revellers descended on an 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, Goldsel Road, in the early hours of August 6.

Initially 12 people were arrested on suspicion of drug possession, criminal damage, theft, and public nuisance offences, with equipment seized and a subsequent investigation resulting in charges for three men from outside Kent.

Germantas Citavicius, 19, of Hawthorn Avenue, Thornton Heath, London, Tomas Rudzevicius, 20, of Manor Road, Dagenham, Essex, and Lee Johnston, 29, of Mary Cross Close, Wigginton, Tring, Hertfordshire have all been charged with conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.

All three have been bailed to appear before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on November 17.

Superintendent Amanda Tillotson said: "It is estimated that as a result of the large crowds attending this unlicensed music event more than £30,000 worth of damage was caused to a brand new warehouse, which is simply unacceptable.

"Events such as these remain rare anywhere in Kent, but when they do take place they can attract considerable numbers of people often to industrial units.

"Many who travel into the area, do so from outside the county by using trains. These gatherings can cause a number of issues, including damage to property, noise to local residents and antisocial behaviour. The nature of the venues can also pose real safety issues for those attending.

"I’d like to reassure residents and businesses that we continuing to work closely with our partners, including the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police, to detect and disrupt any plans people may have to stage or attend unlicensed music events in Kent.

"We will not tolerate the disorder they can cause and will take robust action against anyone we suspect is breaking the law."