Ravers have been warned not to turn up for a bank holiday party which had been widely advertised on the internet.

The rave had been set to take place over the weekend on land close to Fordfield Road in Steppingley.

But Mid Beds District Council refused to give permission for the event after police claimed there were a variety of safety and security risks.

Police chief inspector for Mid Bedfordshire, Jaki Whittred, said: "We would emphasise we have no wish to spoil people's fun, but public safety is of paramount importance.

"We are grateful for the council's support and want to advise anyone thinking of going along to this event that they will have a wasted journey.

"We would also advise people to not bother attending any other unlicensed event they may have read or heard about in Bedfordshire, since police will be taking an extremely robust line over the bank holiday and have the power to seize equipment from organisers.

"The public can help by contacting us the moment they suspect something may be going on, since early intervention is vital. That could include lights or noise coming from land, or convoys of cars heading in the same direction."

Peter Jones, licensing manager at Mid Beds District Council, said: "In light of the significant concerns raised by Bedfordshire Police, including the lack of information available about the management of access to and from the event, the general lack of security measures and the high risk of over capacity, coupled with concerns about excessive noise, Mid Beds' licensing sub-committee hearing resolved to refuse the temporary event notice."

Anyone with information about unlicensed raves can contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on 01234 841212 or Crimestoppers,
anonymously, on 0800 555111.