Two arrests after police assaulted at Bristol rave

A Google street view image of Willway Street in Bedminster. The road is lined with industrial buildings, some of them with brickwork on the exterior. The picture is taken on a sunny day and there are some vehicles parked on the right-hand-side of the roadImage source, Google
Image caption,

Police said the event took place on Willway Street in Bedminster

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Police say four officers were assaulted and a vehicle damaged as an "unlicensed music event" in Bristol was broken up on Saturday night.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers faced "completely unacceptable" behaviour with some being spat at, having objects thrown at them and one being grabbed by hair.

Music equipment was seized and two people arrested at the event, which took place on Willway Street in Bedminster.

A 28-year-old woman and a boy, 16, were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.

'Officers faced aggression'

A force spokesman said the first reports of the event came in at 22:19 GMT on Saturday, and officers who went to the scene found a crowd of about 200 to 250 people had gathered.

Neighbourhood Ch Insp Keith Smith said: "We recognise the significant impact these events can have on people living in the surrounding area and we responded quickly – and with significant resources – to minimise this.

"Some of the behaviour officers were confronted with was completely unacceptable. Officers were punched, spat at, had objects thrown at them and one was grabbed by her hair causing bruising. Welfare support is in place for them.

"Despite the aggression they faced, officers responded with utmost professionalism and were able to limit the impact on local residents."

The arrested woman has since been released on police bail and the boy released under investigation, the force said.

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