A secret rave in a Somerset quarry ended with multiple arrests, seizures and an all-night police operation to bring the event under control.

Police were first alerted at around 1.20am on Sunday 8 June, after reports of loud music and large numbers of vehicles arriving at Asham Quarry in Bulls Green, Chantry, near Frome. By the time officers arrived, the unlicensed music event was already in full swing, with around 200 people in attendance and more than 100 vehicles parked in the area.

A Section 65 order under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 was issued at around 3am to prohibit any further people from entering the site. However, the remote location, single entry road, heavy undergrowth and complete darkness made it difficult for police to break up the event immediately.

Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Becky Wells-Cole said: "Large-scale unauthorised music events require extensive police resources and a very thought out and calculated approach to bring it to a safe conclusion. Due to the quarry having a single public highway entry and exit point, heavy foliage and treelines, with zero visibility owing to the time of night, our response needed to consider the safety of our officers and members of the public in shutting down the event and dispersing those seeking to attend this illegal event."

Officers were able to persuade some partygoers to leave during the early hours, but it wasn't until daylight that they were able to fully intervene. The music was turned off at around 9.30am and the final attendees were cleared from the site by 2pm.

In total, thirteen people were arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. Five van-loads of music equipment and staging were also seized.

Chief Insp Wells-Cole added: "I understand this has been a long evening for members of the local community and I would like to reassure them that we have had officers on the scene since receiving the first phone call. I would like to thank those members of the public for reporting this incident."

Officers remained at the scene throughout the day, and high-visibility reassurance patrols were carried out in the local area for concerned residents. The police also thanked South Western Ambulance Service for assisting with medical attention during the operation.

Police say they are continuing their investigation into the event and will seek to prosecute organisers. They are urging residents to remain alert to the warning signs of illegal raves – including social media promotion, suspicious activity, or vans unloading sound equipment in rural areas.

"Avon and Somerset is no place for unlicensed music events and raves which negatively impact or disturb our communities," a spokesperson said. "We will seek to prosecute organisers, seize equipment and vehicles, and prevent these events from disrupting local life."