Bristol arrests after police break up multiple illegal raves

Three people have been arrested and sound equipment seized after hundreds of people attended New Year’s Eve raves.

Avon and Somerset Police officers broke up unlicensed music events at Aztec West, St Phillips and Purdown in Bristol.

One person was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including driving under the influence of drugs, while two people were arrested in St Phillips after debris was thrown at officers.

Supt George Headley said the force was not trying to stop people celebrating New Year’s Eve, but said the events were being held in “unsuitable and potentially dangerous locations”.

Police were called to a warehouse in Aztec West at about 22:45 GMT following complaints about noise.

Between 400 to 500 are estimated to have been present, police said, and the majority of the crowd had dispersed by 03:30 on Thursday.

Just one person was arrested on suspicion of offences including drug possession and supply, driving under the influence of drugs and remains in custody, while two vehicles containing sound equipment were seized.

An estimated 400 people were found at an industrial site in St Phillips after police were called at 23:15, and Feeder Road was closed to prevent more people attending.

A drone operator tracked down two suspects after missiles were thrown at officers and police vehicles, and enquiries into those offences are ongoing, the force said.

About 100 people were found at Purdown after police were called to a noise complaint at about 02:25.

Engagement with organisers led to the music being turned off, and the scene vacated by about 05:00. No arrests were made.

Supt Headley said: “We know some people accuse of us of trying to stop people from celebrating New Year’s Eve, but that is absolutely not the case.

“We want people to have a good time, what we don’t want is people’s safety being put at risk.”

He added: “Throwing items at police officers and driving while under the influence of drugs is also totally unacceptable, and something the public would expect us to take a strong stance against.”