Police break-up multiple illegal raves and gatherings across the West Country
Police in the West Country faced a busier weekend than usual after breaking up illegal raves across the region.
Officers responded to a number of mass gatherings which were held in parts of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Bristol.
Avon and Somerset Police said they attended three events over the course of the weekend, and had to issue at least one dispersal order.
This included a daytime rave at a park in south Bristol, a gathering in Bathampton and a rave in Cheddar.
Chief Inspector Nigel Colston said the force’s ability to disrupt mass gatherings relies on community support.
“We’re extremely grateful for the assistance provided to us this weekend which enabled us to take action and bring an end to events which started to frustrate local residents,” he said.
“All of the events we disrupted this weekend were in motion before officers attended but we were able to negotiate with organisers and participants and encourage them to leave or issue orders requiring them to.
“The sooner we’re made aware of events taking place the quicker we can act and I’d like to thank all those who called us yesterday to report their concerns, it helped enormously.”
Similar events were also held in Devon, including a rave - attended by more than 200 people - in the village of Hawkchurch.
It took nearly five hours for officers from Devon and Cornwall Police to break up, after a number of units - including police dogs - were sent in.
Reflecting on the weekend on Twitter, Superintendent Jim Gale, Commander North, East and West Devon, praised officers for their "brilliant work" and "dedication and professionalism".
"Several officers assaulted in my command area too,” he wrote. “Unacceptable. Very proud of dedication and professionalism from all @DC_Police."
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