Four men are due in court next month following an illegal New Year's Eve rave in a church in East Horndon.

Hundreds of people attended the party at the All Saints Church in breach of the Government’s Covid-19 regulations.

The church itself was damaged and the officers who responded reported having objects thrown at them.

One man has already accepted a £10,000 fine for organising th event.

Four other people have been arrested and are due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on July 22 to face a charge of holding or being involved in holding a rave type gathering of more than 30 persons indoors in a Tier 4 area.

They are: John Galsworthy, 40, of Denholme Walk, Rainham; Jay Davis, 35, of Chase Cross Road, Romford; Jonathan Hedges, 33, of Pondfield Lane, Brentwood; Adam Maxy, 28, of High Street, Wickford.

Davis is also due to face a charge of perverting the course of justice.

Chief Inspector Ant Alcock, district commander for Brentwood and Epping Forest, said: “I want to thank the public for their support in trying to identify the people in the images we released.

“The response has shown that our communities wanted us to pursue these individuals and this is one of the key reasons we did so. The recent news surrounding the delay in easing of restrictions reiterates the need for us all to be responsible and play our part in keeping people safe

“We are always grateful for the support you show us.”