Leysdown stabbings: Two men seriously injured at ‘beach rave’ in Kent

Police appeal for information on assault at party which drew crowds to seaside village

Crowds gathered for a rave on Leysdown beach in Kent

Two men were rushed to hospital on Thursday night after being stabbed at a rave held on Leysdown beach in Kent.

Police received reports that two men had been assaulted on The Promenade by the beach in the seaside village late on Thursday.

Both victims were taken to a London hospital suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A 24-year-old man remains in custody after being arrested and held for questioning.

The beach rave was reportedly billed on social media as a “three-day event”.

Police officers were on the scene but an eyewitness said they did not appear to be there to shut the event down.

A police spokesperson said: “Kent Police received a report of a large number of people, many of whom had travelled from outside of the area, gathering in Leysdown.”

“Officers attended to remind people of the latest government advice around social distancing and encourage them to take personal responsibility for adhering to them.

Hundreds of people reportedly attended the rave on Thursday

”At around 11:55pm, it was reported that two people had been assaulted on The Promenade.

“South East Coast Ambulance Service attended and two men in their 20s, both from the London area, were taken to a London hospital with injuries consistent with stab wounds.

”Their injuries are described as serious but not life-threatening."

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the assault or who has any information to contact Kent Police on 01795 419119, quoting reference 25-2132.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.