Illegal New Year raves draw hundreds as partygoers left needing medical care
Police said hundreds of people attended illegal New Year’s celebrations and many of the partygoers required medical treatment:
Three people were arrested and audio equipment seized by officers at unlicensed New Year’s Eve parties in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
After police teams closed down the music events where hundreds of revelers gathered on New Year’s Eve, objects were thrown at the police and vehicles.
More than 400 people were present at an event held on an industrial estate in St Phillips, according to Avon and Somerset Police, who were called to the scene at around 11.15pm, just before midnight.
Police said items were thrown at them and surrounding streets while they closed the nearby Feeder Road to prevent more people accessing the area.
A drone was deployed to assist in tracking the suspects, resulting in two arrests.
Officers were called to another event at around 10.45pm following reports of loud music and a gathering of 400 to 500 people at a warehouse in Aztec West, a business park in south Gloucestershire.
Around 03.30, most of the meeting attendees had dispersed.
One person was arrested and remains in custody on suspicion of a number of offenses including possession and supply of drugs, as well as drug use. Two vehicles containing sound equipment were also seized.
At least 100 people reportedly attended an unauthorized music event in Purdown, which was reported to police at 2.25am.
Officers attended the event and people believed to have been involved in organizing the event turned off the music between 4.30am and 5am.
According to police, some of those who attended the events in “inappropriate and potentially dangerous locations” needed medical treatment, either for injuries they had sustained or, in some cases, for suspected drug-related illnesses.
“We know some people are accusing us of trying to stop people celebrating New Year’s Eve, but that’s simply not the case. We want people to have a good time; what we don’t want is people’s safety to be put at risk,” Inspector George Headley said.
He added: “Throwing items at police officers and driving under the influence of drugs is also completely unacceptable and is something the public expects us to take a strong stance against.
“Officers’ hard work throughout the night means those suspected of crimes may find themselves waking up to the very real and serious expectation of being investigated and prosecuted as we head into 2026.”
