Wiltshire Police called in to help break up rave near Bristol

Partygoers reportedly attacked officers tasked with trying to disperse the event, which was attended by hundreds of people. A senior officer labelled those who had organised the event as “wholly irresponsible”.

Avon and Somerset Police was called out the South Gloucestershire warehouse party at around 10.35pm on Saturday night.

The first officers to arrive at the scene discovered hundreds of people already at the site. They issued a dispersal notice and shut roads around the area to prevent more people from turning up.

Despite the efforts of the police, more partygoers tried to get to the warehouse by foot. And, when they were told to go home, some were said to have become violent. Lit spray cans and bottles were thrown at the officers.

Wiltshire Police confirmed it had sent officers to support Avon and Somerset Police deal with the rave. It is not known precisely how many Wiltshire officers have been sent to the party, but is understood to run to dozens of officers.

Ch Insp Mark Runacres of Avon and Somerset Police said: “This has been an incredible challenging operation, with a large number of people in a confined space and several officers being assaulted.

“We are working with neighbouring forces and the ambulance service to look to bring this event to a close in a controlled way that does not jeopardise the safety of people in the area.

“We’re sorry for the disruption caused by the selfish actions of the organisers of this event and those attending. This unlicensed event was organised in secret, despite people being fully aware of the ongoing risk to public health due to Covid-19. Their actions were wholly irresponsible and I am sure will disgust the overwhelming majority of people who are making huge sacrifices to limit the spread of the virus.

“Our investigations team will be involved in reviewing officers’ body worn footage and other enquiries as we seek to take appropriate action against those responsible.”