A Wiltshire Police inspector says officers only allowed the car meet in Trowbridge to continue as it was ‘unsafe for them to attempt to break up the gathering’.
Around 500 people are said to have been in attendance of the Beyond City event between 6pm and 10pm last night, despite gatherings of more than 30 people being illegal.
‘Car enthusiasts’ travelled from as far as the Midlands and London to attend the evening event which was initially being hosted at St Stephen’s Place car park, but police quickly dispersed the group.
Inspector Andy Fee said: “Officers initially attended St Stephen’s Place car park at approximately 6pm following reports of anti social driving.
“A group of approximately 20-30 vehicles were located at the car park – officers spoke to individuals and words of advice were given and the group left the scene.
“At approximately 7pm, officers were made aware of a large gathering of vehicles at the White Horse Industrial Estate.
“When officers attended, there were approximately 150 vehicles and 500 people at the scene and it would have been unsafe for officers to break up the gathering.
“As in line with the way we police large gatherings, officers monitored the incident throughout the evening with the assistance of Roads Policing Officers and the majority of the group had dispersed by 9.30pm.”
