HUNDREDS of revellers descended on Swindon in the early hours of Sunday for an illegal rave which quickly turned violent.

Four police officers were injured as they tried to contain the event, which took place at an empty warehouse at the River Ray Industrial Estate.

In total, there were five arrests during the incident, with police saying they were surprised by the level of violence they faced.

Four arrests were for public order offences while another was for assault on a police officer.

Around 100 officers from three police forces were deployed to deal with the incident, as well as dog units and helicopter support.

Cars began to amass at the warehouse shortly before 1am, which was brought to the attention of police.

Officers cordoned off the area, but around 100 revellers were already on site. Almost 200 more were prevented from entering and at 3am, began to clash with police.

One officer was taken to Great Western Hospital with concussion after being hit in the head with a brick and was released later in the day.

Three others were treated at the scene for injuries sustained during the skirmish.

Several revellers were also treated at hospital and by paramedics for a variety of injuries, including bite wounds by a police dog and a broken wrist.

People were still trying to gain access to the rave at 8.30am but were being turned away. The thumping music was eventually turned off at 9.15am as those in attendance began to make their way home.

Several large speakers and lights were seized by the police who then combed the site for any other substances.

Some of the revellers who could not gain access because of the police blockade, tried to climb over fences to get in around the back, causing some damage.

Those who were arrested came from all over the south of England. A 34-year-old from Cambridgeshire was arrested for assaulting a police officer and violent disorder and taken to Gablecross Police Station.

A22-year-old man from Suffolk, a 20-year-old female from Suffolk and a 21-year-old man from Kettering were also arrested for violent disorder and taken to Gablecross.

A further 20-year-old from Dunstable was arrested for violent conduct but was released without charge.

Supt Andrew Carr of Wiltshire Police said: “We do get raves through Wiltshire as it’s a rural county but it’s quite unusual to see that level of violence in Swindon. I am surprised at the level of violence shown towards our officers.

“We have had bricks, stones and bottles thrown and it has been quite sustained for a number of hours.

“We did deploy batons for our officer’s safety and we had support from Avon and Sommerset and Thames Valley Police.”