Police closed down a rave and arrested four people after complaints about loud music in Old Wives Lees near Chilham yesterday morning.

Officers initially attended the New Cut Road area in the early hours after numerous complaints by residents, but could find no trace of the reported disturbance.

But following further calls they went back shortly after 7am and found a group of around 25 people in a field.

A decision was taken to close down the event and seize the sound equipment, but disorder broke out, resulting in a man being arrested for assault and two women for obstructing a police officer.

The remaining party-goers left soon afterwards without incident. A man was later arrested at Canterbury Police Station after attending to make a complaint in connection with the event.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Brandon said: "Kent Police takes very seriously and will not tolerate the illegal setting up and running of raves.

"We have made it abundantly clear through our media messages that we will confiscate equipment, direct people to leave land they are trespassing on and seek to prosecute those involved.

"This type of activity causes much distress to communities and we remain committed to a robust approach to those who break the law in this way as demonstrated on Sunday."