POLICE have defended their softly softly approach to a "rave-like" event taking place in a Hampshire town.

Officers investigating complaints of loud music took no further action after being told the early evening event, held in memory of someone who had recently died, was about to end.

Police were called to a recreation ground at Forton Road, Gosport, at 7.45pm on November 12.

Posting on social media Gosport Cops said: "Policing isn't always as straightforward as right and wrong. Officers are often called upon to use their judgement and discretion when determining the best way to handle a particular situation.

"Officers attended after reports of a 'rave-like' event occurring there. There was a large group in the park and the music was very loud indeed.

"Officers walked over and spoke to the person who was DJ-ing. He quickly explained that the event was in memory of someone who had recently died, but would be coming to an end within the next half an hour.

"With this in mind, and taking into account the relatively early hour of the evening, the polite and friendly attitude of all those present, the fact it wasn't a regular occurrence, as well a strong desire not to prevent people from remembering a relative and friend for another 30 minutes or so, we decided to resume and return later if we received further calls.

"Those present kept to their word and we received no further calls after 8.30pm.

"While we understand that not everyone will have been happy with our decision making here, we really felt this was the best approach to the situation on this occasion, and thank those who understood where we were coming from.

"We tried our hardest to take into account both the wishes of the people complaining about the noise, as well as the wishes of those gathering to remember someone they loved.

"While we do feel we got the balance right on the night in question, we do understand the view of one caller who was left slightly frustrated at the lack of intervention.

"To this person, we can only assure you that we would have returned had there been a requirement to do so, and we certainly wouldn't have allowed this event to continue late into the night.

"We do hope the above helps to explain the difficult position we were in and the reasons for the decisions we made."