DORSET Police has been criticised for its response to an "unauthorised" rave in Three Legged Cross.

Christopher Durkin, who organised the music event in Lower Common Lane on Saturday, June 27, said it had been peaceful with noise levels monitored and the area cleared up afterwards.

Officers attended the area that evening with the NPAS helicopter and confiscated amplification equipment, after receiving complaints from members of the public.

However Mr Durkin, 33, said the force had been heavy handed in its response to the event, which continued after officers left.

"This was not an illegal event - it was a birthday party," said Mr Durkin.

"There was no trouble or anti-social behaviour and the biggest disturbance was caused by the police and the noise of the helicopter.

"The event was held on land which I lease and permission isn't needed for something like this. Hundreds of people came along but it was not a rave, it was a party."

Mr Durkin said that his friend Nigel Harris from Sentient Sounds helped with the music side.

One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said it was "frustrating" that the event had continued after the police left.

"It must have started at around 7pm on Saturday and went on until 11am on Sunday," she said.

"The noise was unreal, it was so loud I could hear it over the TV, all banging bass-heavy music. I was awake all night.

"I saw the police turn up, their riot van turned around in our field, and the helicopter was overhead. They didn't stop it though.

"We are paying enough council tax. It should have been stopped. It is very frustrating.

"There was another one about the same time last year."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said the response was "proportionate" to the number of people at the event.

"Concerns were raised by members of the public and additional police resources were diverted to respond to the non-compliant and confrontational behaviour of the organisers by seizing amplification equipment in accordance with section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act," the spokesman said.

"As a result of police activity, the noise stopped but two further complaints were made later that night when music restarted."

The force said officers accompanied the East Dorset District Council environmental health officer back to the event, where a noise abatement notice was served to the land owner.

"We would like to reassure members of the public that their safety is a priority for Dorset Police and that unauthorised and unlicensed events such as this will not be tolerated, and we will make use of all available legislation."