AN illegal rave attended by more than 1,000 people on Dartmoor was closed down by police on Sunday.

From the early hours of Sunday morning, police were dealing with the rave near Bellever Woods at Postbridge, where an estimated 1,500 and 500 cars turned up overnight.

During the afternoon, officers closed down three significant sound systems and stages and put up road-blocks to prevent more attending, turning away a couple of hundred of people throughout the day.

Several hundred people left on Sunday night but a small number remained at the site overnight as they were not fit to drive. Some had driven several hundred miles to attend.

Superintendent Glen Mayhew said: 'This event caused considerable concern and nuisance to our communities and we have reacted in a manner that has highlighted that we have no tolerance for illegal raves.

As well as the impact on local residents and damage to the environment, they pose a risk to those attending due to the environment. People are vulnerable as they are not equipped for the weather and conditions on Dartmoor.

'I am pleased with the impact our policing operation has had in preventing this rave from escalating and running over the full bank holiday weekend. It is clear that the early call from local residents allowed us to put officers in place to maximise our impact.'