Nine police officers were hurt after missiles were thrown at an illegal rave in Barking.

Two sergeants, two dog handlers and five police constables – eight men and one woman – received the injuries as they tried to break up an unlicensed music event in Thames Road, Barking, on Saturday night.

About 1,000 people had gathered inside and around 1,000 people were outside.

Police were called to the scene at 9.45pm. The majority of people in attendance dispersed and the building was emptied by 2am.

Temporary Ch Supt Sean Wilson, said: “A number of officers were injured whilst going about their duties and this will not be tolerated.

“A full investigation has been launched and we will endeavour to bring those responsible to justice.

“We are working very closely with the community who are shocked by these events.”

Acting Insp Matthew Laffan, added: “I would like to thank the local community and businesses in the area for their cooperation and continued support as we continue to investigate the incident.”

A LAS spokeswoman said: “We received multiple calls at approximately 1am on Saturday night.

“A number of rescue crews, incident response officers, a hazardous area response team and ambulances treated a number of people at the scene.

Two people were taken to hospital, one of them as a priority.”

Were you there or did you see what happened? Email phoebe.cooke@archant.co.uk or ring 0208 477 3886.