An illegal rave has been cancelled following police intervention, with officers now warning people to follow lockdown rules.

A ticketed, unlicensed music event was set to take place this weekend, with a large number of people set to attend – despite the country still being in lockdown.

Police took action to halt the rave, and are now reminding everyone in the county that lockdown regulations still apply until Wednesday (December 2).

Superintendent Sarah Jackson said: “We understand this year has been very difficult and the communities of Cumbria have worked hard to stick to the rules.

"Having been made aware that this event was being planned we moved swiftly to ensure that a minority of people would not undo the good work of the majority during this lockdown.

“We want to warn anyone who was still thinking of travelling despite the event being cancelled to have a rethink, stick to the rules and stay at home."

She continued: “By their very nature, unlicensed events do not have the basic necessary security measures in place to make sure people are safe and this risk only increases when gatherings are not properly managed in a way that prevents the spread of the virus.

“Anyone involved in organising or attending an event like this will be committing offences and officers will enforce with penalties if necessary.

“Increased patrols will remain on the county’s roads throughout the weekend as a precaution.

“We would like to thank everyone who continues to stick to the rules, and the sacrifices many have had to make this year are very much appreciated”.

The superintendent added that while lockdown ends next week, Cumbria will remain in Tier Two – the "high alert" category.

Stricter rules including the Rule of Six will come into place outdoors, and there will be no socialising inside (outside of bubbles and linked households indoors).

Social distancing also applies at all times.

For more information on lockdown rules in England, click here.

To find out more about the tier system, click here.