The PSNI in Newry and Mourne has responded to criticisms on its Facebook page that followed a notice to "stay away" from an illegal rave at a quarry.

In its initial post, the PSNI Facebook page said: "We have become aware of a 'social gathering' organised via Social Media due to take place this evening in the greater Newry area. We have a robust Policing operation in place to deal with this.

"The event has been cancelled by the individual responsible for promoting it online. By attending you face having your details passed to the land owner for pursuing a civil trespass against you, being reported or arrested for Public Order offences and being reported to Newry & Mourne District Council for drinking in a public place."

Many Facebook users responded to the post with comments that the police had ruined the summer.

The PSNI replied: "Seriously we have ruined every young persons summer in the whole world ever by telling you not to go to an unlicensed, unregulated carry on in a field in the middle of the countryside which just happens to be close to a quarry, how mean are we?

"Perhaps your summer would be better if we let this go ahead and you go so off your face on drink and drugs that somehow you thought it was a good idea to try and fly off the cliff edge into the quarry. Excellent plan, I say not. Who's summer would that make so much better?

"Or better still how good would the summer be if you were searched going to this and we found your stash of drugs then we took you to court and you got a conviction for drugs offences and maybe a prison sentence.

"Seriously, WISE UP. I say it again if you don't like what we post on her to keep YOUR community safe I suggest you unlike us. For those interested and for the favourable and constructive comments I thank you."

(IT/CD)