POLICE shut down an illegal Halloween rave which attracted 1,000 people into a field near Severn Beach over the weekend.

Officers were called to a disused piece of industrial land in the Hallen area yesterday (November 1) after residents complained about the noise from as far away as Chepstow and Newport.

They seized a number of vehicles and equipment after the "unofficial and unlicensed music event" which was shut down by 12.30pm.

Officers decided not to break up the party, but to prevent more people from arriving and then cleared the site.

An Avon and Somerset spokesman said they received reports before 2am that more than 500 vehicles and 1,000 people were involved.

Chief Inspector Sonny Walker said: "If we are aware in advance about a potential event the law allows us to take action to close it down and seize whatever music equipment is on site before it gets fully underway.

"However, if it has already started and there are a large number of people on the site, an assessment has to be made whether safe and proportionate action can be taken at that moment.

"The assessment includes looking at the impact on the local community, the safety of those at the site and of police officers that might have to intervene. We will also assess the accessibility of the site, environmental conditions and of course whether there has been, or is likely to be, any criminal offences or public order issues.

"Any potential action we may take is also balanced with the assessment of the number of resources we would need to intervene and the demand upon the force at that time.

"All incidents will be compared to the threat, harm and risk that they pose when deciding where resources will be deployed. Our priority is always the safety of the public.

"We understand that for those affected by the noise these events can be very frustrating, particularly if it disturbs their sleep, and we don't underestimate the impact such events can have.

"Throughout the night we continued to monitor the event, preventing others accessing the site and containing those that were already there in the area.

"By 12.30pm we had shut down the event and have since reported a number of people for summons and they will be prosecuted in due course.

"We also seized a number of vehicles containing a significant amount of audio equipment.

"Unlicensed music events like these are a real nuisance to the local communities to which the organisers show little regard for, while they also pose a serious risk to public safety.

"We take these matters extremely seriously and will take action against those found to be involved in the organising of such events and seize their equipment to limit the possibility of future similar events.

"Neighbourhood policing teams are out in the community and are available to answer any questions or deal with any concerns residents may have.

Anyone who has any information about unlicensed music events, or who has any concerns about yesterday’s event, is asked to call the 24-hour police enquiry line on 101.

Police enquiries into the organisation of the Severn Beach event are continuing.