Hundreds of people attended a number of illegal raves in Exmoor over the Easter weekend, leaving residents “stranded at home” and fearing for their safety.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers spotted the first rave, attended by an estimated 200 people, near Dunkery Lighthouse in Somerset at around 5.20am on Sunday.

About 40 minutes later, police were alerted to another rave nearby, with hundreds of partygoers gathering at Kennysham Wood, near Lukesborough.

An eyewitness who asked not to be named told reporters ITV Vans played loud music and partygoers surrounded homes in the area, leaving residents trapped indoors.

They added they had “never seen anything like this before” and expressed concerns for people’s safety.

Another said on Sunday: “Sadly Exmoor is not a family friendly place these days. The music is so loud it can be heard for miles.”

Photos and videos posted on social media showed streets lined with cars, parking lots packed with vehicles and multiple rental vans.

The loudspeakers were set up and music played in the background. People walked around wearing bunny ears, and the makeshift stage was decorated with cutouts of cartoon bunny faces.

Police cordoned off the road while they dealt with both incidents, which were cleared by 11pm.

A sound system was confiscated during the incident at Dunkree Lighthouse and police are investigating potential public nuisance offences.

A man in his 30s from Wiltshire was arrested in Kennyshamwood on Sunday on suspicion of possessing class A drugs and assaulting an emergency worker. He has since been released on bail.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said independent In an update on Monday afternoon: “We have been responding to two unlicensed music events in the Exmoor area over the weekend.

“Our priority is to maintain public safety and minimize disruption to other members of the public, so our officers are seeking to engage with individuals attending the event and provide community reassurance. Roads are also closed.

“An investigation is underway into a potential public nuisance offense after sound equipment was confiscated from an unlicensed music event held near Dunkree Lighthouse last night.

“A small number of people stayed in the Kennyshamwood area overnight but organizers turned off the music at around 11pm after police were involved. Police then stopped loud music being played at the site and told those involved that they Equipment may be confiscated.

“Those who remain at Kennyshamwood have been clearing the scene this morning. We continue to have officers in the area today to ensure these people leave the scene safely.”