A rave took place just outside Brighton at the weekend with concerns raised among those taking part as well as those living near by.
It has been alleged that Sussex Police allowed the rave to continue uninterrupted until well into the early hours on National Trust farmland at the Devil’s Dyke.
And officers were said to have waited until lunchtime before asking dozens of remaining people to leave the site.
One of those attending the rave said that the force had instructed taxi firms not to pick up people from the site, forcing some to walk home along a dangerous road.
He said that the police had a duty of care and a duty to consider public safety but instead had acted irresponsibly.
Those farming the land were said to be concerned about their livestock, with lambs reported to be showing signs of distress as a result of late-night noise.
Sussex Police said: “We were called shortly before 1am on Sunday 8 May by a member of the public about a rave taking place at Saddlescombe Farm at the Devil’s Dyke.
“It was established that there were about 200 people and 40 vehicles present.”
The force did not comment on the policing methods used or the timing of any dispersal but said that there were no arrests and no injuries.