Avebury stones: Solstice revellers urged to avoid site

People are being stopped from using a footpath near Avebury stones

Hundreds of people have arrived at the Avebury stones to celebrate the summer solstice, sparking a police warning.

The arrival of about 300 vehicles led to Wiltshire Police closing part of the nearby Ridgeway footpath to protect farmland and maintain public safety.

A police spokesperson urged anyone wanting to celebrate solstice to "do so safely and where possible from home".

English Heritage which runs Stonehenge says it is keeping the ancient monument closed in line with Covid guidelines.

Official access to Stonehenge and Avebury, which is about 24 miles (38km) away, has been stopped due to Covid.

The police spokesperson added: "Our officers are present and access is now closed, therefore we would advise people intending on travelling to the area not to do so.

People arrived over the weekend ahead of the solstice in the early hours of Monday

"We have not taken any proactive action, other than to close further access to that part of the Ridgeway and are monitoring it closely and will continue to manage across the weekend."

They added people began arriving overnight and on Sunday morning and the gathering was peaceful, with many families there.

However in a bid to keep the roads clear, police were seen towing vehicles off the A4 near Avebury village.

One of the revellers, known as Pink, told the BBC she was looking forward to "partying the night away".

Police estimated about 300 vehicles parked near to Avebury village

The National Trust, which runs Avebury, said it would not allow camping near the stones or open any of its public facilities there to try to deter visitors.

In Somerset, Avon and Somerset Police have also urged people to stay at home instead of celebrate the summer solstice in Glastonbury.

The National Trust, which runs the site, said it had closed all of its facilities at Avebury

Police are towing vehicles away on the A4 near Avebury