13 arrested after suspected illegal rave near Frome
Officers were called to reports of loud music at Asham Quarry in the early hours of yesterday morning (8 June)
Police have arrested thirteen people after a suspected illegal rave near Frome.
Officers were called to reports of loud music at Asham Quarry in the early hours of yesterday morning (8 June) - and found 200 people and 100 hundred vehicles there.
The music was switched off by half past nine in the morning and site was cleared by two o clock in the afternoon.
A section 65 order of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 was placed on the unlicensed music event at 3am by the duty Superintendent which prohibited further people from entering the area.
Officers say they made efforts to engage with the attendees and were able to encourage some people to leave however, due to the terrain of the quarry, it was difficult to bring the event to a safe conclusion during the hours of darkness when many in attendance are intoxicated.
'Large scale unauthorised music events require extensive police resources'
Neighbourhood Policing Ch Insp Becky Wells-Cole said: “Large scale unauthorised music events require extensive police resources and a very thought out and calculated approach to bring it to a safe conclusion.
“Due to the quarry having a single public highway entry and exit point, heavy foliage and treelines, with zero visibility owing to the time of night, our response needed to consider the safety of our officers and members of the public, in shutting down the event and dispersing those seeking to attend this illegal event.
“I understand this has been a long evening for members of the local community and I would like to reassure them that we have had officers on the scene since receiving the first phone call.
“I would like to thank those members of the public for reporting this incident and I can confirm, after much hard work from our officers at the quarry, we were able to get the music turned off at around 9.30am.
“Officers have remained on the scene throughout the day and were able to clear the last attendees from the site at 2pm.
“Thirteen people have been arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance and they are enroute to police custody where they will be interviewed and further enquiries carried out. Five van-loads of music equipment and staging have been seized.
“We understand events like this can have a significant impact on the community and I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding.
“I will be ensuring high-visibility reassurance patrols will be taking place in the area throughout the day, should residents wish to speak with officers.
“We would also like to thank our colleagues at the ambulance service for supporting our efforts today in providing medical attention to those who needed it.”
Police are now asking residents to make themselves aware of the signs of an unlicensed music event.
If you see anything suspicious, visit the Avon and Somerset Police website.