Hundreds of people were at the rave
Avon and Somerset Police shut down an illegal rave (file image) (Image: Mid Somerset Series)
An illegal rave at an abandoned factory in the city was shut down by Avon and Somerset Police over the weekend.
Avon and Somerset Police officers were called to the unlicensed music event at a disused factory in Poplar Way, Avonmouth.
When officers arrived, it was estimated that there were more than 600 people present, many of whom were intoxicated.
Police were able to monitor the event and eventually bring it to a safe close around 8am yesterday morning, Sunday, May 18.
Four people were arrested during the rave and music equipment was seized under section 19 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
A 15-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault, possession of class B drugs and assaulting an emergency worker.
A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, failure to leave land and assault.
A 61-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, possession of class A and class B drugs and failure to leave land.
All four have since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Chief Inspector Karen Corrigan said: “Unlicensed music events are unlawful and cause a great deal of distress and disruption to local communities.
“Not only do events of this nature have a significant impact on residents who live nearby, but they are rarely set up with safety processes in mind, and the lives of attendees are put at risk.
“When attendance at these events are into the hundreds, it makes our roles as officers quite challenging. To force hundreds of people to leave when it was dark, and many were likely intoxicated, could have made this situation more dangerous, which would have been a risk we were not prepared to take. Public safety must always be our priority.
“We were able to deploy resources to bring the event to a conclusion without anyone being seriously harmed.
“I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to local residents who contacted us about the event and engaged with us.
“We continue to ask residents to keep an eye out and recognise the signs of an unlicensed music event. Are they advertising on social media? Do you see vans unloading sound equipment? Or do you see a lot of people gathering? If you see anything suspicious, please call us or visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report.”