BARNFIELD Road looked more like the site of a major festival than an industrial estate on Sunday morning.

Large numbers of revellers, aged between 16 and 45, were milling around and only the large numbers of police and paramedics gave clue to the violence which had proceeded only a few hours before.

When police were alerted early on Sunday, they did what they could to prevent anyone else from gaining access.

However, not to be deterred, the revellers tried to find ways around the blockade climbing through muddy fields and over fences.

The stand-off quickly turned violent but many who were there said they only wanted to have a good time.

A number were taken to hospital to be treated after being bitten by police dogs while others were treated by paramedics.

There were some accusations tasers were used but this was denied by the police.

One 19-year-old from Basingstoke, who did not want to be named, said he had suffered a cut on the head and broken wrist after being hit with a baton.

His 21-year-old friend said: “I can understand why the police are upset but we have got to get our kicks somewhere.

“No-one was here to cause trouble. It all started when someone was bitten by a police dog.”

The party-goers said they heard about the event through word of mouth.

A 26-year-old from Luton said: “We get told a number which we ring on the day and someone tells us the post code it will be in.

“Everyone then comes down and when it gets near the event we ring it again and are told where it is happening.

“In most other places, the police just keep guard outside and let us get on with it, so there is not the violence.”

But Wiltshire Police, who said the operation to handle the situation was successful, say they cannot let illegal raves go ahead unchecked.

Supt Andrew Carr said: “It’s not their property to come and do that.

“It’s not licensed for that. We don’t allow itto go ahead. This is an industrial area so we can’t allow disruption to local businesses.

“These events can go on for some time if they are not curtailed from the start.

“It can become a considerable drain on police resources which should be here for the people of Swindon.”