POLICE have evicted squatters from a former prison after an unlicensed rave was advertised to take place at the site.

About six people broke in to Bullwood Hall, in Hockley, on October 17.

The former prison and immigration centre, in Bullwood Hall Lane, is earmarked for demolition to make way for a housing development.

The site’s owner obtained a court order this week and police assisted bailiffs this morning in removing people from the site.

However, there are fears hundreds of people could descend on the area at the weekend for a party.

Chief Inspector Glenn Westley said: "Essex Police will not tolerate illegal events of this kind and I am asking people not to attend.

"This is a public safety issue and it is important to remember these are not regulated in relation to health and safety measures and that the environment is not necessarily a safe one.

"The locations where people hold these illegal gatherings are usually dangerous and put people's lives at risk.

"If you go to these events you risk harming yourself or facing arrest. Neither of these outcomes make for a good night out."