RAVERS who threw items at police officers ran across a busy motorway in a bid to escape being caught.

Officers were forced to close a section of the M65 near Hapton on Sunday morning after they were called an illegal rave with over 100 people present.

When officers arrived to the scene, revellers through items at them before running off.

A decision was then made to close a section of the motorway after more reports were made about people running across the M65.

Officers are continuing to investigate the incident and are keen to hear from anyone with information – particularly about the organisers of the event – or anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage from around the time.

Insp Damian Pemberton, of Burnley Police, said: “While the vast majority of the community are doing their bit to try and keep the coronavirus infection rate as low as possible, there is a minority who are putting the health and safety of others at risk by acting in a selfish and reckless manner.

“We will collectively target those who flout the restrictions, particularly those organising large gatherings and music events.

“With this in mind, I would appeal for anybody with information to contact police on 101 or email 44@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 0088 of November 1, 2020.”

Elsewhere, around 300 people gathered near Wigan for an unlicensed music event on Saturday night, which was held in field near the border of Glazebury in Cheshire.

Seven police vehicles had their tyres slashed and officers searching the site found a machete in an area of bushes, Greater Manchester Police said.

In Yate, near Bristol, Avon and Somerset Police broke up an illegal rave where some of the 500-strong crowd were violent towards officers.

Meanwhile the Metropolitan Police broke up 11 illegal gatherings, including a christening with 200 guests, in London on Saturday.

Anyone found to be involved in organising or attending large illegal events could be faced with fines of up to £1,000.