POLICE shut down two illegal raves near Warminster this weekend.

At around 12.30am on Sunday morning, officers were made aware of an illegal rave at Quebec Farm in Chitterne, around eight miles east of Warminster.

Officers from the local community policing team, Tri-Force officers and Police Support Unit (PSU) officers, as well as officers from neighbouring forces and a police helicopter, attended the scene where around 500 revellers were on site.

Officers took control of the area to prevent vehicles from attending via various access points to the site.

A Section 63 notice was served to the organiser ensuring the event came to a close by 7am. This was adhered to and equipment was dismantled and crowds dispersed.

No arrests were made, no disorders were reported and there were no injuries to officers.

Following that, yesterday afternoon, just before 3pm, police were informed of a second illegal rave being set up in the Enford area, between Chitterne and Tidworth.

Officers attended swiftly and seized sound equipment from the scene to prevent further incidents.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “Without the intervention of our officers, it is likely the numbers attending would have grown considerably.

“We’d like to pay tribute to our officers who attended, many working overtime, and ensured this event drew to a peaceful close.”