A police chief has slammed the 'selfish' organisers of an illegal rave at a warehouse near Bristol last night (Saturday, October 31) for putting public health at risk in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Police are still working to bring the event in Yate to an end after hundreds of people gathered at the unlicenced event just hours after Boris Johnson had announced a new national lockdown in England.
Two people have been arrested and are in custody, while police were allegedly pelted with "bricks, bottles and other items" as they attempted to shut down the rave.
Chief Inspector Mark Runacres of Avon and Somerset Police said the event had been organised in "secret" and that the actions of those responsible for it were "wholly irresponsible".
He said: “We’re sorry for the disruption caused by the selfish actions of the organisers of this event and those attending.
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"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."
Police have estimated that as many as 700 people attended the event, although there have been unsubstantiated claims that the true number of people could be in the thousands.
Mr Runacres added: “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.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the rave to contact them on 101 and quote log number 1369 of October 31.
