Members of the public reported ‘significant issues’ and there was one arrest
Police were called to an unlicensed music event at a skatepark in Eastville, Bristol, close to the M32 (Image: Google)
An illegal music event was shut down with one person arrested yesterday (Saturday, October 25) after more than 200 revellers descended on a Bristol skate park.
Police rushed to the scene in Eastville near the M32, yesterday afternoon after “multiple residents” reported loud music being played “at an antisocial volume and causing significant issues”.
One person was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs and the music was turned off shortly before 7pm, police said. They added that around 200 to 250 people were at the unlicensed event.
Inspector Gavin O’Reilly, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We had a number of calls in quick succession from people who told us the amplified music was causing a significant disturbance and having a detrimental impact on them.
“Officers attended and we estimated there were approximately 200 to 250 people present.
“An operational decision was taken, due to the impact on the local community and concerns that the size of the event could increase further, to issue a direction to leave. Following positive engagement with those involved the music was soon afterwards turned off.”
Inspector O’Reilly added: “Taking preventative and proactive action against unlicensed music events is absolutely not about stopping people having fun – there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever. But it crosses the line and becomes antisocial when the volume of the music is so loud that it’s impacting on the wellbeing of the local community.
“We take unlicensed music events seriously because we have seen countless times before they are often being held in unsuitable locations and with insufficient plans in place to manage a large number of people attending. That creates a real risk to public safety, notwithstanding the impact on other people living in the area.
“It’s why we ask anyone who has information about a forthcoming unlicensed music event, or sees the early signs of one being set up, please reports it to us online or on 101.”
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