Police officers came under attack from makeshift projectiles after shutting down illegal New Year’s Eve gatherings across Bristol.
Approximately 400 revellers had assembled at an industrial estate in St Phillips shortly before midnight on Wednesday, with authorities receiving reports around 11.15pm.
As officers blocked Feeder Road to stop even more ravers reaching the site, “missiles” were hurled at both police and their vehicles nearby.
A drone was launched to help locate the culprits, with two people taken into custody.
The confrontation formed part of a wider crackdown on illegal raves across the city and surrounding areas that evening.
At Aztec West business park in South Gloucestershire, officers responded to a warehouse gathering at around 10.45pm following complaints about loud music.
Between 400 and 500 people had congregated at the site.
A police cordon was swiftly established, with most attendees dispersing by around 3.30am.
PICTURED: Police drone footage from an industrial estate where 400 revellers had assembled on New Year’s Eve
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AVON AND SOMERSET POLICE
One individual was detained on suspicion of multiple offences, including driving under the influence of drugs and drug possession and supply.
That person remains in custody.
Two vehicles containing sound equipment were confiscated by authorities.
A separate unlicensed event in Purdown attracted at least 100 attendees.
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Police arrived at that location around 2.25am, with the music switched off and the crowd sent packing by 5am.
Several people who attended the various gatherings required medical attention.
Some were treated for injuries, while others suffered from suspected drug-related illnesses, police said.
Superintendent George Headley said: “Additional resources were put in place to enable us to respond swiftly to any unlicensed music events and we’re thankful to those who called us to make us aware of what was happening.
‘Throwing items at police officers and driving while under the influence of drugs is also totally unacceptable,’ Superintendent George Headley said
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“We know some people accuse of us of trying to stop people from celebrating New Year’s Eve, but that is absolutely not the case.
“We want people to have a good time; what we don’t want is people’s safety being put at risk.
“Throwing items at police officers and driving while under the influence of drugs is also totally unacceptable, and something the public would expect us to take a strong stance against.
“Officers’ hard work throughout the night means those suspected of committing crimes find themselves starting 2026 by waking up to the very real and sobering prospect of being investigated and prosecuted.”