PARENTS have been criticised by police for dropping their children off at an illegal rave – which was only prevented at the last minute.

The rave, in a field off Sextons Lane, in Great Braxted, was stopped at about 7.20pm on Friday, after about 60 young people had turned up and with more on their way.

Police seized sound equipment and a generator and found a large quanity of alcohol at the scene.

Insp Paul Davey said: “I was extremely concerned that a large number of parents were dropping their children off for this event.

“Parents should be aware these events are illegal for health and safety reasons and they are not regulated.

“We found a large amount of alcohol in the field at Great Braxted and it was obviously there to be sold to the young people who attended.

“We know these events may be advertised on social networking websites and can attract large numbers of young people, but I would urge parents to be vigilant and inquisitive and find out exactly where their children are going when they ask for lifts.”

The police are now looking at possible public order or public nuisance charges being made against the organisers.

Chief Insp Glenn Maleary said: “Essex Police will not tolerate illegal events of this kind. This is a public safety issue.

“Early information is critical if we are to prevent a rave from taking place and I would urge the public to help us tackle these illegal events.”

He said police would always take action to stop raves before they begin and use tactics such as seizing equipment and cars to keep people safe and minimise disruption to communities.