Big clean-up amid 24-hour security at rave office block in New Oxford Street

Published: 4th November, 2010
by JOSH LOEB

OWNERS of a disused office block where revellers held an illegal weekend rave have been left with the massive job of cleaning up rubbish and graffiti left by party-goers.

About 10 riot police vans lined the street outside the former Post Office building in New Oxford Street, Holborn, where officers were pelted with bottles as they cordoned off the area. 

A police source said a motor scooter was thrown from the building during the stand-off and neighbouring buildings vandalised. 

The Scumoween Squat Monsters Ball, which lasted about 18 hours, was organised via closed networks on Facebook website, with the location revealed only at the last minute on Saturday. 

Police arrested 10 people, two of whom have been charged with offences, including threatening and abusive behaviour and possession of Class B drugs. 

Aviva Investors owns a controlling stake in the £40million property, rented by production agency My Beautiful City for occasional private functions and fashion shows. 

The bill for cleaning the block could run into thousands of pounds, but on online rave forums the weekend’s events were described as “brilliant” and “the biggest, loudest party I’ve ever been to and... to top it off didn’t actually see any bad attitude”. 

One party-goer who did not wish to be named said: “There were plenty of police about but they were being generally friendly and just diverting traffic from the front of the building where there were lots of people sitting on the pavement. 

“Inside, it was just lots of people dancing. A very friendly crowd. I didn’t notice any vandalism other than graffiti but judging from the gunk all over my shoes and clothes the factory wasn’t clean to start with.” 

Superintendent Raj Kohli, from Camden’s Partnership Unit, said officers, security staff and the owners of the premises were able to enter at 4.15pm on Sunday. 

“Following this incident, the venue now has on-site, 24-hour security and police do not expect any further problems at the venue,” he said. “Camden police will now undertake a review in order to ensure other empty buildings are secure. If residents have any concerns about empty premises, please contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods team.”

Aviva Investors declined to comment.