Police thank public after unlicensed rave stopped

Members of the public have been praised after helping police stop an unlicensed music event.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers went to Sparke Evans Park in Bristol at about 18:35 GMT on Thursday to investigate reports of loud music.

The force said about 40 people were at the scene, with sound equipment and lighting already set up.

"Officers engaged with the organiser and explained if they did not dismantle the equipment, then it could be seized by police to protect the local community being adversely affected," the force said.

"The organiser subsequently agreed and the music was turned off by 7pm," it added.

Police estimated about 150 people were planning to attend the event at the St Philips park, and said without the tip-offs it might not have been so easy to prevent.

Insp Mark Partridge thanked people who had called in.

He said: "Proactive action like this is not an attempt to stop people having fun. It is necessary to prevent communities being disrupted by these events and also to ensure public safety.

"Unlicensed events which are frequently held in inappropriate locations, without the necessary safety considerations, can put people's safety at risk."

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