POLICE say they are dealing with an illegal rave in Herefordshire as a priority, with locals reporting hundreds of revellers partying overnight.

West Mercia Police was called to Dorstone in the early hours of Easter Sunday to reports of the gathering, as people living locally report more than 100 cars still in the area at 9am this morning.

Annette Jones said police have been around the village, in the west of the county, and have been using a drone.

Herefordshire Superintendent Edd Williams said officers had been "engaging" with party-goers, who are in breach of coronavirus restrictions.

"We are aware of a large gathering in Dorstone, Hereford. Officers are currently on the scene engaging with those in the area," he said.

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"We understand that the community are becoming increasingly concerned with the number of people at the site and we would like to reassure them that we are taking this very seriously and are dealing with this incident as a priority.

"We will keep you updated throughout the course of the day."

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Under the Government’s rules, anyone gathering in a group of more than six people in any inside or outside place will continue to be dispersed and could now be subject to an increased fine of £200 if they refuse to comply.

Organisers of mass gatherings can be fined £10,000.

Revellers were first spotted arriving shortly after midnight, and party-goers have been coming from Scotland, Manchester and Cornwall, a source told the Hereford Times.