POLICE arrested seven people and seized sound equipment after breaking up an illegal rave at Nutcombe Bottom near Timberscombe, on Sunday morning.

More than 600 people are believed to have gathered at the site on Saturday evening without permission.

Music and noise from the ravers resulted in police receiving complaints from residents living over four miles away in Minehead.

Police moved in and broke up the rave at 8am on Sunday morning and made seven arrests for conspiracy to commit a public nuisance.

A police spokesman said further arrests were likely to follow, while officers also seized the sound system equipment, a generator and two hire vehicles.

Inspector Lisa Simpson from Minehead police station said: "I want to reassure our residents, we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or illegal events that are a public nuisance and disturb the peace.

"In this instance, it disturbed residents, particularly the more elderly community and affected some individuals attendance at Remembrance Sunday events.

"We will take robust action against the organisers of this and any similar illegal event, as they are not only creating a public nuisance but they often damage ground, trespass and create litter and mess."

She said inquiries were still ongoing and police were gathering intelligence to help prevent any future events from taking place.

"So far officers have spoken to everyone who called to complain about the noise and are making ongoing inquiries.

"If anyone wishes to speak to us about this issue, particularly if they have information that could help our inquiry, I would encourage them to contact the local Minehead team on the new 101 number," she added.