POLICE officers investigating an unlicensed music event at All Saints Church in East Horndon on New Year's Eve have arrested two people - and the conservation group that looks after the church has spoken of the 'silver lining' that has followed the event, meaning they can carry out improvements to the grade-II listed building.

The illegal event has captured news attention around the world, [.L]even being featured on Japanese TV.

Hundreds of people had attended in breach of the Government's COVID-19 regulations and police officers who attended reported having objects thrown at them.

The revellers caused significant damage (see video) to the church, prompting the Friends of All Saints to launch to launch an online appeal to help repairs and clean-up at the Tudor church close to the Thurrock border on the A128 / A127 junction. The building is owned and maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust, with the Friends organising open days etc.

The appeal had an initial target of £2,000 but today (Tuesday, 5 January) has soared to close to £20,000. Describing that as a 'silver lining' one of the Friends, Astrid Gillespie, says: "Thank you so much for everyone's offers of help, and the hundreds of donations, the support is just incredible.

"The clean up is delayed due to Tier Four restrictions so no clean up is planned yet - thank you for your understanding. Please stay safe."

Police arrested two people yesterday – a 32 year-old woman and a 30 year-old man – on suspicion of burglary, money laundering, and cannabis cultivation.

They have since been released under investigation and enquiries by officers are continuing.

Anyone with information about the events is asked to contact police online where you can also use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm. Alternatively, you can call 101 or information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.