Council officers discovered an illegal squat rave in Leytonstone over the bank holiday weekend.

A council spokesperson confirmed “an illegal gathering” was held in a “squatted commercial premises” on Saturday night (May 23).

According to a tweet from Parkguard Ltd, a provider for councils and the police, more than 80 people were turned away outside before police removed the group inside.

A council spokesperson said: “Over the bank holiday weekend, the council was made aware of a squatted commercial premises being used to hold an illegal gathering.

“Waltham Forest Council’s enforcement officers have since followed this up with an abatement notice and will continue to monitor the situation.”

A total of 270 groups were dispersed by enforcement officers over the long weekend, according to a previous statement from the council.

This includes more than 1,300 individuals, around the same number as were dealt with in the early May bank holiday weekend.

The council recently paid tribute to Selvin Rodney, a council enforcement officer in his 50s who became the first Waltham Forest Council employee to die of coronavirus.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @ELondonGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Waltham Forest and Redbridge.