POLICE have struck a blow against the organisers of illegal raves at a beauty spot near Winchester.

Four men were arrested on Saturday when police raided the unauthorised party at Crab Wood, Farley Mount.

About 12 officers from the force support unit based at Netley were called in after party organisers refused to stop the music at the 200-strong event.

The noise was so loud that it could be heard some two miles away on the western edge of Winchester, said Sgt Bill Ord, of Twyford police, who led the operation.

The unauthorised parties have been a chronic problem in the Farley Mount area for years, disturbing sleep for hundreds of people in the Sparsholt and west Winchester area and damaging parts of a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Sgt Ord said the music started at about 12.45am on Saturday and was still going strong after three hours.

He said: "They refused to disperse. So we got authorisation to get the force support unit and closed the event down and seized the equipment, speakers, turntables, generators, the whole disco.

"We don't want to kill people's enjoyment but the problem with these unlicensed events is public safety."

Police are investigating links between this latest event and one held at Hockley Golf Club near Winchester on July 5.

Police arrested James Dean, 21, plumber, of Spring Gardens, Alresford. He was charged with failing to leave land when ordered. Charged with public order offences were: Edward Chilvers, 24, a ground worker, of Bereweeke Close, Weeke, Winchester; Richard Cordell, 38, a builder, of Buriton Road, Harestock, Winchester; and Michael Edmondstone, 18, a student, of Christchurch Road, Winchester.