TWO men from Basingstoke were arrested when officers broke up an illegal rave.

Officers found a group of around 25 people gathered around speakers, music equipment and ten cars in the hamlet of Ibworth, near Kingsclere, at around 6.20pm yesterday.

They informed the organisers that the gathering was illegal, seized music equipment and cleared the site by 7.30pm.

Cars on route to the rave were stopped by the police and turned around.

Two men from Basingstoke, aged 19 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of organising an unlicensed music event and have been bailed until April 15.

Inspector Jon Turton, who led the operation, said: “Hampshire Constabulary takes a robust stance to dealing with any unlicensed music events within our borders.

“These type of illegal gatherings cause disruption and distress to local communities and anyone organising or attending such an event runs the risk of gaining a criminal record.”