Police have told revellers at an illegal rave near a Dorset beauty spot to “go home immediately”.

Officers were called to reports of the gather involving approximately 500 cars near Corfe Castle last on Saturday night.

Residents reported having difficulty sleeping due to sound coming from the event.

Initial reports were made to Dorset Police at 10.40pm on Saturday, May 27.

A senior officer said the force is working with other agencies with road closures in place to prevent direct access to the area.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said: “We have received a number of calls from concerned residents overnight who have had their sleep disturbed by the noise levels coming from the unauthorised event.

“We are fully aware of the distress and disruption this incident is causing to the local community and visitors to the area and we would like to reassure them that we are fully aware of this large gathering of people and we are assessing the situation and taking steps to deal with it.

“Officers are at the scene making enquiries, working alongside other partner agencies, and we are in contact with the landowner.

“There are road closures in place to prevent direct access to the area.

“We would like to send a direct message to those at the event – you are trespassing, please leave and go home immediately.”