An illegal rave at a warehouse near Bristol last night (Saturday, October 31) is still ongoing with police at the scene continuing to attempt to shut the event down.
The unlicenced event featured DJ sets and loud music and took place at a trading estate in Yate last night, just hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson had announced that England would be placed under a new lockdown from Thursday.
Organisers have been branded "selfish" by a police chief for arranging for the event to take place and said that it risked public health in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
It is likely that police will remain on the scene for at least the next few hours.
Here is everything we know so far about the event
Police were called to the event at 10.30pm and issued a dispersal order, although many people have remained at the site and are at the time of writing are yet to leave.
The official attendance at the event has been given as between 500 and 700 by officers, but some unsubstianted claims suggest the true number may be as high as the thousands.
Pictures showed a total lack of social distancing at the event and the majority of people pictured were not wearing face coverings.
Two people have been arrested following the event and remain in police custody, and an appeal for more information has been launched by Avon and Somerset Police.
The roads around the trading estate where the rave is taking place were closed in an attempt to stop more cars arriving, although it is understood that several others were able to access the event on foot.
A secure cordon was then put in place at around 4am this morning, and while a number of people have left, several others have refused to do so.
Western Power was asked to attend the warehouse and cut the power supply to the building, but it is understood that the organisers had an alternative power supply which is being used to enable the event to continue.
It is understood a minority of attendees who were denied entry to the event became aggressive towards the police, with bottles, bricks and lit spray cans allegedly being hurled at officers.
The full statement from police
In a statement issued by police earlier this afternoon, Chief Inspector Mark Runacres said: “This has been an incredibly 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."
He added: "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."
Anyone with information about the event should contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101 and quote log number 1369 of October 31, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
