Police were called to stop an illegal rave, believed to have attracted thousands of revelers, which was taking place at a former department store in Bristol.

The unlicensed music event kicked off on Saturday evening at a former Wickes building off Winterstoke Road.

Avon and Somerset Police said they wanted to “reassure” the public that officers were there to “prevent more people from accessing the site” and that the music had been turned off.

A witness who had traveled from Worcester to the event told the BBC he believed thousands of people were at the illegal “Halloween-themed” party.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Our policing operation in response to an unauthorized music event in Winterstoke Road, Bristol, is continuing.

“Dedicated resources are on site and the music has been stopped.

“We recognize the significant impact this has had on residents and will provide updates in due course.”