News / avon and somerset police
Hundreds of partygoers attend illegal rave
As many as 1000 partygoers attended a rave in south Bristol on Saturday night which continued until around 10am on Sunday morning.
The building off Winterstoke Road next to Ashton Gate Stadium in which the rave took place was formerly Wickes.
It is currently owned by Bristol Sport.
is needed now More than ever
Two people were arrested and sound equipment was confiscated by police, who say that bottles were thrown at officers attending the event.
It is estimated that 600 to 1000 people were at the rave at its busiest time, with police saying they “attempted to engage with those individuals on site to seek to bring it to a safe conclusion, while also trying to prevent more people entering the building”.
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In a statement at 1.42pm on Sunday, Avon & Somerset police said: “The music was switched off by those inside at 10am, when there was an estimated 100-150 people still present. The site was subsequently cleared.”
Two vehicles leaving the area were stopped by police with sound equipment onboard seized and two people arrested on suspicion of public nuisance offences.
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Inspector Gareth Pike said: “Residents living close by are understandably angry by the disturbance this unlicensed music event has caused.
“We’re sorry for the impact it has had on them and we share their frustrations.
“A significant policing operation was stood up with specialist teams deployed, including utilising officers giving up their rest days.
“We also sought assistance from neighbouring forces through a mutual aid request, although they were not ultimately required after the music was turned off.
“Public safety always must be our priority when responding to such incidents, especially given the potential danger and risk that occurs when you have a very large number of people in a confined space that is not designed to accommodate them.
“The individuals who chose to organise this event have acted in a wholly irresponsible manner and shown a total disregard to other members of the public.
“Officers have also faced unacceptable hostility with items, including bottles, being thrown at them, which is truly disgraceful.
“No police service has a limitless supply of resources.“Every officer who has been deployed to Winterstoke Road today is an officer who could have been helping a victim of crime but couldn’t do so because of the selfish actions of those who organised and attended this event.
“Nevertheless, through hard work across the organisation, we have sought to provide victims with the level of service they should expect and deserve from the police, even though we were having to deal with this incident at the same time.
“We have been gathering evidence during our response to this incident to help us identify those who have committed offences and we will look to take appropriate action against those involved.
“We will also speak with the building owner to provide extra security advice to help prevent further such incidents from occurring in the future so as to protect local residents.”
Dozens of officers were present on the scene of the illegal rave – photo: Avon and Somerset Police
It was a busy few days for sport at Ashton Gate over the weekend, with Bristol Bears playing on Friday night and Bristol City playing on Saturday afternoon.
The former Wickes building is within the area next to the stadium due to be transformed into the new Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter, with work due to start in 2025.
A Bristol Sport spokesperson said: “There was a break-in overnight to one of the buildings adjacent to the stadium.
“The site was secure and has been unlawfully accessed.
“We fully sympathise how disturbing and disruptive it has been to local residents.
“We are working with Avon & Somerset Police to take all action possible against those involved in the damage and disruption overnight.
Main photo: Karen Johnson
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