Hundreds of people attended an illegal rave at a warehouse in Yate last night which continued throughout much of today. 

The event was closed down by police this afternoon, despite continued attacks on officers.

Eight arrests were made and sound equipment was seized at the warehouse in Millbrook Road. 

In a post on Twitter this morning, Avon and Somerset police said: "Police are dealing with an unlicensed music event attended by hundreds of people in South Gloucestershire.

"At about 10.35pm on Saturday, October 31, we received a call alerting us to the event at a warehouse in Yate.

"Officers arrived within 12 minutes and found the event underway."

Roads were closed to prevent more people reaching the site by car but large numbers of people continued to arrive on foot from several different directions.

Items, including lit spray cans and bottles, were thrown at police. Some officers were injured but remained on duty.

A secure cordon was put in place by 4am, but it is estimated approximately 500-700 people were on site. 

Power to the building was cut but an alternative source was used.

Chief Inspector Mark Runacres said: "Our priority is always to protect the safety of the public and officers have acted with skill and bravery today to bring this unlicenced event to a safe conclusion.

“These sorts of operations are incredibly difficult to manage as we seek to bring those responsible to justice, while ensuring public safety.

“Anyone organising an unlicensed music event does so with no thought to others and to stage something of this nature at a time when Covid-19 cases are rising in the South West will rightly make those making sacrifices incredibly angry.

 "This has been an incredibly challenging operation, with a confined number of people in a confined space and several officers being assaulted.

"We're sorry for the disruption caused by the selfish actions of the organisers of this event and those attending.

"This unlicensed event was organised in secret, despite people being fully aware of the ongoing risk to public health due to Covid-19. Their actions were wholly irresponsible and I am sure will wholly disgust the overwhelming majority of people who are making huge sacrifices to limit the spread of the virus.

"Our investigations team will be involved in reviewing officers' body worn footage and other enquiries as we seek to take appropriate action against those responsible.

"We'd ask anyone with evidence and information that can help, to call 101 and quote log number 1369 of October 31."