London’s secret Covid raves: How organisers are using WhatsApp and Instagram to run £15-a-head illegal all-night parties in abandoned buildings where hundreds ‘risk lives’ by flouting social-distancing
- Organisers charged £15-a-head for the illegal raves in Leytonstone, east London
- Private social media pages would direct customers to shady WhatsApp groups
- Customers are then sent a picture of the rave’s location when they pay for ticket
- At least three events, run by Kanni Events Ltd, were held at a disused warehouse
Ravers have been using WhatsApp and Instagram to run illegal all-night parties in abandoned buildings where hundreds ‘risk lives’ by flouting social-distancing rules.
Organisers charged £15-a-head for the gatherings in London, which saw clubbers dance to house music in close proximity.
Private social media pages direct customers to shady WhatsApp groups where they are sent a picture of the rave’s location when they pay.
Organisers charged £15-a-head for the gatherings in London (pictured), which saw clubbers dance to house music in close proximity
At least three events, run by Kanni Events Ltd, were held at the disused warehouse in Leytonstone, in the east of the capital, on May 17, May 23 and May 24.
Organisers said up to 100 people turn up to the 300-person venue, but only about 50 are allowed in at one time to ensure social distancing.
Yet footage shows people cramped into an abandoned business building, in a flagrant breaking of the rules.
Private social media pages direct customers to shady WhatsApp groups where they are sent a picture of the rave’s location when they pay (pictured, one of the raves)
Under the latest rules groups of up to six, including mixed households, are allowed to meet in outside spaces – but social distancing must be strictly followed.
Police swooped on two of the parties but none of the illegal ravers were arrested.
The Met said patrols had been increased and a repossession notice was issued by it and Waltham Forest Council on Tuesday.
MP for Leyton and Wanstead John Cryer told the BBC: ‘It doesn’t get much lower than this.
‘I’ve just written to a constituent whose husband died of coronavirus. I wonder if the people organising the raves might appreciate reality if the lives of their own relatives were in danger.’
Police swooped on two of the parties but none of the illegal ravers were arrested. The Met said patrols had been increased. Pictured: One of the locations posted on social media
But the organisers hit back claiming the events were not raves and attendees temperatures were taken before entering as well as staff being given PPE.
It comes after a string of high-profile gatherings in the capital which has drawn huge crowds into compact areas.
On Tuesday revellers were filmed crowding together for a street party in Harlesden where fireworks were set off as Brent Police officers tried to break it up.
Officers were first called to a block party of around 60 people at 6.45pm, but as the gathering broke up a much larger one, thought to be around 500 people, formed less than a mile away and went on until 3.40am.
Five party-goers were arrested after 11 officers were assaulted by one group who refused to leave.
Videos shared online showed hundreds of people dancing and holding plastic cups as they defied lockdown restrictions.
A spokesman confirmed 11 officers were left with minor injuries as they tried to disperse revellers.
Chief Superintendent Roy Smith, Commander for North West London, said: ‘Our officers are working hard to engage with the public to reinforce the public health advice on social distancing and large gatherings – overwhelmingly our local communities have been supportive and responded to this approach and we thank them for that.
‘To the very small minority who chose to break the law last night and who were not from the local area, I am clear; you do not reflect the communities of Brent and we will take appropriate action.
‘Local residents should be reassured we will be increasing our patrols in the area following the incident.’