An illegal warehouse rave that began on New Year’s Eve in France in defiance of coronavirus precautions has been shut down by police after arrests and clashes.
Some of the 2,500 ravers in Lieuron near Rennes in Brittany had planned to party until Tuesday.
Police issued fines to revellers found leaving and the organisers were being identified as the party ended.
A number of party-goers were from the UK and Spain, police said.
Attendees clashed with police, setting fire to a car and throwing objects at officers attempting to shut the event down. At least three officers were injured.
A driver was apprehended with turntables, speakers and a generator in the boot of the vehicle, according to French TV station BFM TV.
Police trying to stop the event faced “fierce hostility from many partygoers”, a statement from local authorities said.
But at 05:30 local time on Saturday the ravers began to accept the party was over and started to leave the two disused warehouse hangars, the local prefecture said.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said on Twitter that trucks, sound equipment and generators were seized at the scene and an investigation has been opened.
More than 1,200 fines were issued for non-compliance with the curfew, not wearing a mask and attending an illegal gathering, Mr Darmanin said.
