Police were pelted with missiles as they broke up a rave attended by 300 revellers in Huddersfield last night as officers in Birmingham were called to more than 70 parties on the last weekend before organisers face a £10,000 fine for setting up the gatherings.
Officers in Deighton, Huddersfield had missiles thrown at them after they tried to break up a gathering of more than 300 people on Saturday night.
Meanwhile in Birmingham, police were called to more than 70 parties - including one in Northfield which included two marquees and a DJ.
Around 200 people were seen gathering in the city centre, around Hampton Street.
Reminding people of the need for social distancing, West Midlands Police tweeted: 'Most people understand why we are doing this - stay safe - don't risk spreading the virus.'
From Friday new powers will come into force meaning organisers of illegal raves can be fined.
Around 200 people were seen gathering in Birmingham city centre, around Hampton Street, last night
Police were called out to an illegal gathering in Northfield, near Birmingham, on Saturday
The rave in Northfield was one of more than 70 reported gatherings in the West Midlands on Saturday night - ahead of new fines that will come into force from next Friday
Earlier this week Birmingham was placed on the government watch list after a sharp rise in coronavirus infections.
The Covid-19 infection rate jumped from the UK average of 12 per 100,000 in early August to 32 per 100,000 this week.
The rate on Friday of 25.5 was the 13th highest infection rate in the country prompting local health officials and politicians to raise the prospect of a local lockdown.
People facilitating or organising illegal raves, unlicensed music events or any other unlawful gathering of 30 people or more may face a £10,000 fine.
Participants can continue to be issued with fines of £100, while those who have already been fined will see the amount double on each offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.
Metropolitan Police received information on more than 200 events across London in a single weekend, responding to more than 1,000 illegal events in the capital since the end of June.
Police in Huddersfield broke up an illegal rave involving some 300 people.
West Yorkshire Police tweeted they were called to the gathering in Deighton, where missiles were thrown at officers.
There were similar scenes in Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, last night, where crowds gathered.
Police said the music was 'quickly turned off' and the crowd was dispersed, a move 'met by applause from local residents'.
Yesterday's activity comes after similar gatherings on Friday night.
Police reinforcements from Wales assisted officers in Manchester on Friday night with enforcing Covid-19 rules.
North Wales police helped in Moss Side, Longsight and Hulme, dispersing large groups and issuing Fixed Penalty Notices for breaches.
Aerial footage shows people gathering outside a house in Birmingham on Saturday during a rave
Crowds were seen gathering around a DJ booth, with marquees also set up at a gathering in Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, last night
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said new fines were to be introduced for those hosting raves when he announced a further easing of England's lockdown last week.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: 'These gatherings are dangerous and those who organise them show a blatant disregard for the safety of others.
'I am pleased the police have already stepped up their response and I am giving them the tools they need to continue to keep us safe.
'We will continue to crack down on the small minority who think they are above the law.'
Fines for not wearing face coverings where it is mandated are also set to double for repeat offenders from Friday, starting at £100 and doubling to a maximum of £3,200 for each repeat offence.
Police were called to more than 70 illegal gatherings around Birmingham and the West Midlands on Saturday night
The National Police Chiefs' Council has warned that forces in England and Wales will continue to increase patrols heading into the bank holiday weekend.
Areas of concern, such as Leicester and Greater Manchester, have seen deployments larger than on New Year's Eve, it said.
Commander Ade Adelekan, lead for unlicensed music events, said: 'These events are hosted without regard for the safety of those attending, and police have observed cases of anti-social behaviour, sales of drugs and gang activity.
'To the organisers of this sort of activity, I strongly advise that you seriously consider the risks you're creating for everyone in attendance and the wider community.
'There is a risk of prosecution for those who organise these events and equipment will be seized.'
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