Sydney rave ends in violence

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    Mon, Nov 26, 2007, 01:00
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  • Three partygoers face charges after police break up an illegal warehouse rave in Sydney this weekend.
  • Sydney rave ends in violence image
  • Three partygoers face charges after police break up an illegal warehouse rave in Sydney this weekend. Police shut down the Chanel No. 5 party at 12.30 a.m. Sunday morning in Alexandria after receiving noise complaints from local residents. Police shut off the generators, but the crowd did not disperse. Police then called in the Sydney public order and riot squad, who arrested five people and later charged three. A 22-year-old man faces three counts of resisting arrest, two counts of throwing a missile at a police officer, violent disorder, riot and affray. A 32-year-old woman was charged with maliciously damaging a police vehicle and resisting arrest after allegedly kicking the door of a police car. A 19-year-old woman was charged with assaulting a police officer. Witnesses state that police used pepper spray on a number of partygoers who refused to leave the premises or resisted arrest. “One policeman pushed a girl over and hit her with his baton a few times, kicked her and then dragged her along the road,” says partygoer Felicite Pryor. “I think she lost her shoes and then at the side of the road, he beat her with his baton some more before handcuffing her.” Organised by a local promotions group Asbestos Productions, who have also put on similar illegal warehouse raves at Taren Point, the party was set to feature local drum'n'bass and breakcore crews as well as live bands. Partygoers found out the address of the rave by calling a number on the day of the party. Police are investigating whether the organisers forced their way into the premises. Photo credit: Felicite Pryor
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