POLICE in Oxfordshire today warned that they would be robust against people planning to set up illegal raves in the county.

The warning follows the first illegal rave this season, in West Oxfordshire, last weekend.

A member of the public reported the rave near Holwell, Burford. Officers attended and monitored the situation, which involved about 100 people.

Police are encouraging the community to report any unlicensed events early to allow them to disrupt the event before it begins.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said it was the force's intention to minimise disruption by stopping large amounts of traffic coming into small villages and loud noise from revellers throughout the night.

He said: "Officers are also concerned for the public safety of the people attending events like these; as they often involve excessive amounts of alcohol consumed by large numbers without adequate safety precautions in place."

Insp Andy Higgs, of the West Oxfordshire Local Police Area, said: "We are working closely with our partners within the local authority to combat the problems and disruption these events cause to the community.

"We will investigate and assess all illegal raves in accordance with the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act.

"We will also allocate resources to prevent raves taking place as they are often unlicensed and frequently involve large numbers of people unaware of the potential dangers involved as well as the disruption they cause to others.

"I would urge anyone with any information concerning illegal raves over the forth coming weekends and months to phone police via 0845 8 505 505."