A DISPERSAL order has been put in place in an Essex town in response to an illegal rave.

The mass gathering - with large numbers of people - was being held in a field at the end of Forest Drive, Theydon Bois on Saturday night.

Police said large numbers of people were reported attending the field at around 10pm this evening.

The dispersal powers are in place from 11pm last night (Saturday) until 11am today.

It gives officers the power to direct anyone in the area pictured on the map below to leave and not to return for the period the order’s in place to reduce the likelihood of members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed or there to be crime or disorder.

Echo: The area covered by the dispersal zoneThe area covered by the dispersal zone

A police spokesman said: "Anyone who was thinking of attending the area is advised against doing so.

"Unlicensed events such as this one put people’s health and safety at risk.

"Large gathering are also not permitted under current government guidance.