Arrests were made and sound systems seized as police responded to unlicensed music events in the Bristol area.
Officers dealt with several illegal raves in Aztec West, St Phillips and Purdown, where hundreds of people were reported to be in attendance at separate locations.
Access routes were blocked to prevent further arrivals before officers took action to bring the events to an end on New Year’s Day.
At Aztec West, police were called at about 10.45pm after loud music was reported at a warehouse, with an estimated 400 to 500 people present.
A cordon was put in place and most of those attending had dispersed by about 3.30am.
One person was arrested on suspicion of several offences, including drug-driving, as well as drug possession and supply, and remains in custody.
Two vehicles containing sound equipment were also seized.
In St Phillips, officers were called at about 11.15pm to an industrial site where around 400 people were found to be present.
Feeder Road was closed to stop more people reaching the area. Police said items were thrown at officers and their vehicles on nearby streets.
Two arrests were made after suspects were tracked by a drone operator deployed to the scene, with enquiries continuing.
An unauthorised event was also reported on Purdown at about 2.25am, with at least 100 people believed to be in attendance.
Police said positive engagement with those thought to be organising the event resulted in the music being turned off and the area cleared between 4.30am and 5am.
George Headley, Superintendent, 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.
“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.
“Last night several people who attended these events at unsuitable and potentially dangerous locations ending up requiring medical treatment, either for injuries they sustained or in some cases suspected drug-related illnesses.
“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.”
Although the incidents took place outside Wiltshire, police have previously warned that unlicensed events can draw people from across the region, including Wiltshire, and pose serious safety risks.
