​Five people arrested following 200-strong illegal rave in Welsh mountains

Five people have been arrested following an illegal rave on Rhigos Mountain in Cynon Valley, South Wales.

The unlicensed event began on Saturday night, according to Wales Online, who reported that police attempted to disperse some 200 people who gathered on the mountain in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The mountain road from Hirwaun to Treherbert was subsequently closed as South Wales Police attempted to usher punters away but reported that many people were still in attendance on Sunday through to Monday morning.

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A spokesperson for South Wales Police explained: “We received several reports during the early hours of yesterday morning (August 27) of a large illegal gathering at Rhigos Mountain. Initial reports suggested there were up to 200 people in attendance.

“Response officers alongside teams from our roads police unit, dog section and the National Police Air Support (NPAS) team worked together and restricted access to the area, and a cordon was put in place to prevent others from joining the event.”

Five people were then arrested by police as they shut down the illegal rave on Sunday. "Five arrests were made following a dispersal order which was issued to minimise disruption to the local community,” a spokesperson said.

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“A vehicle containing sound equipment was also seized. The event was dispersed peacefully and safely yesterday [August 27] with the majority of people who were at the site having now left. Officers remain at the scene to ensure those remaining leave the location safely.”

Locals also reported of loud bangs heard from Rhigos Mountain on Saturday night, thought to be fireworks. All sound equipment was seized by police after the event was shut down.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter