Thirteen arrested after illegal quarry rave

Thirteen people have been arrested and five van-loads of music equipment seized after an illegal rave at a quarry in Somerset, police have said.

Avon and Somerset Police said they were called to an event attended by about 200 people at Asham Quarry near Frome at about 01:20 BST.

Officers tried to get people to leave but music was not turned off until 09:30, with the last attendees cleared out by 14:00, the force said.

Chief Insp Becky Wells-Cole, from neighbourhood policing, said: "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."

The 13 people arrested were taken to police custody to be questioned, she said, while five van-loads of music equipment and staging were seized.

Ch Insp 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."

Ch Insp Wells-Cole said police were carrying out extra patrols in the area.

"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," she said.

"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."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.