STAR readers have reacted furiously to reports about an illegal rave on Rainford woodland at the weekend that saw hundreds of young people breach lockdown rules and left the site looking like a tip.

The party – between Rainford and Kirkby – took place from Friday night into the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police moved on hundreds of young people from the woodland and blocked off the East Lancs between Catchdale Moss Lane, Eccleston and Coopers Lane, Kirkby.

Last night police revealed a 24-year-old man from Walton had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and possession of cocaine following the event.

A 30-year-old man from Kensington, Liverpool 26-year-old man from Edge Hill, Liverpool and a 28-year-old man from Seaforth were also arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

All four have been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue, said a force spokesperson.

The arrests took place at about 5.30am on Saturday, when the majority of people had cleared the site, as four men were allegedly packing up DJ equipment.

Lighting, DJ equipment and lasers were seized.

The event was held just hours after warnings the coronavirus R rate for the North West had crept above 1, which has led to fears there could be a fresh spike in regional cases of the virus if people don’t stick to social distancing.

Star readers were left infuriated by the recklessness of those who took part and spoke out on the Star's Facebook page.

Michele Lever wrote: "Wish people would use their heads. We want to get back to see our families and our grandchildren. That's why most are playing by the rules.

"Come on play fair so others can see their loved ones and stop people dying.

"Stop thinking about yourself."

Janet Lundy added: "This is a massive kick in the teeth to everyone who is abiding by the rules and to our NHS who must be at the end of their tether with frustration."

Rebecca Cousins wrote: "Absolutely disgusting are we all staying out of work and staying away from family for the fun of it – such selfish people."

Judith Foster said: "This makes me so mad! I want to see my family.

"Wonder how many will say wish I hadn’t gone to the rave when they end up in hospital! Don’t think they realise there is STILL a deadly virus out there."

Veronica Williams added: "Where did all these people come from?

"I was kept awake for a very long time, that night with the noise from the helicopters, which where necessary and at a great expense but the fact is this was not a spur of the moment event."

In a statement police said a further 15 dispersal notices were served, 12 people were dealt with for alleged drugs offences, 10 dispersal zone notices issued, and "15 COVID-19” tickets issued.

A significant amount of rubbish, alcohol containers and evidence of drug misuse was discovered.

Chief Superintendent Ngaire Waine said: “All those attending have put themselves and others in the community at significant risk.

"Not only have they risked catching and spreading the coronavirus, but due to the numbers of people consuming of drugs and alcohol in dark woods, somebody could have quite easily got seriously hurt or worse.

“Indeed it was reported one male sustained a broken leg, one female a broken ankle and another female suffered burns to her legs.

“Government guidance still states that we must continue social distancing, that we must only meet in groups of six at most, and act sensibly.

“Clearly, those attending this rave took no heed whatsoever of that.

“They also left behind a huge amount of rubbish which will now have to be removed.

“It is clear that the organisers and those attending care very little for public health, the community surrounding them or indeed their own safety.

“It is particularly disappointing that some of those attending purported to be protesting against the lockdown in order to make a vain attempt to legitimise their attendance at the rave."

Chief Supt Waine added: “Having to deal with these sorts of unnecessary incidents puts an extra strain on both police and our partners, at a time when all key workers face a huge challenge to join the national effort to beat this pandemic while continuing to protect the public.

“Local officers will conduct high visibility patrols of the area to prevent gatherings like this happening again.

"Finally, I want to appeal directly to everyone who attended this rave, to pause and think about their actions.

“Please continue to follow guidance in place to protect yourselves and others. If you are a parent or guardian, please ask where your child is going and who they’re meeting up with.

“If we all pull together, we will be able to return to normality a lot sooner.

"Anyone with information on who organised this event, who attended, any future planned similar events or information connected with the two assaults is asked to get in touch or contact @CrimestoppersUK completely anonymously.”