Police intervene after early reports
Avon and Somerset Police say that early complaints from local residents helped stop an illegal rave near Bristol in South Gloucestershire on Saturday (August 22). Officers were called to an area off Marshwall Lane, near Almondsbury and Tockington, at around 3.40pm.
On arrival, they found around 100-150 people present and local roads backed up because of the volume of traffic. A significant number of other people were believed to be heading to the area as well, according to police.
The music was turned off shortly after 5pm and a dispersal notice was put in place requiring people to leave the area. Most people had left by 7pm, both Bristol Post and Gloucestershire Live reported.
Sound equipment seized
Officers seized sound equipment on the grounds of public nuisance. Police said further enquiries will be carried out. Avon and Somerset Police thanked those who called to report the event.
In a statement, the force said: "We are grateful to the members of the public who reported this early to us, which meant officers were able to intervene and prevent the event from continuing throughout the night."
The statement added: "Unlicensed music events can cause significant disruption to communities and put attendees at risk as they are often held in unsuitable, and sometimes unsafe, locations."
Police also urged the public to help prevent similar events, saying: "The earlier we are aware of a potential event, the greater the opportunity for us to intervene and prevent it escalating."
Appeal for public vigilance
Avon and Somerset Police encouraged the public to report signs that an unauthorised event may be taking place, such as the promotion or location details being shared online, vehicles arriving with sound equipment, or large groups gathering in unusual locations. The force highlighted that early reporting was key to stopping the rave from continuing throughout the night.