Advertisement

Wiltshire Police: Stonehenge solstice - 2 arrests, largely a "... positive, friendly atmosphere"

Two arrests at summer solstice events in Wiltshire Credit: Wiltshire Police

Wiltshire Police have said that Summer Solstice celebrations at both Stonehenge near Salisbury and Avebury have been peaceful on the whole.

About 12,000 people were at Stonehenge to see the sunrise on the longest day of the year. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and taken to Melksham Custody; a woman aged 33 was arrested on suspicion of of drink driving; and a man was given a fixed penalty notice for a drug offence.

Around 400 people gathered at Avebury - there were no arrests.

“The policing operation this year focused on protecting the monument and environment by maintaining the integrity of the road network, minimising any impact on local communities and ultimately supporting English Heritage to ensure a safe and peaceful event for all.

"With an event of this size and nature a large amount of traffic is inevitable but our forward planning with Wiltshire Council, security staff and stewards, the Highways Agency and English Heritage meant that any issues were dealt with effectively.

"These changes for Solstice 2016 have proved a great success, with people celebrating at Stonehenge in a positive, friendly atmosphere as they waited for the sunrise."

– Supt Mark Sellers, Wiltshire Police