POLICE had a strong presence at a location in woodland near Mamhead, just off the A380, on Saturday morning after what locals described as a rave.

Nearby residents took to social media to complain of all night music coming from woodland. Police were contacted with reports of an unlicensed music event taking place within Haldon, Mamhead, in the Early hours of New Year’s Day.

A police spokesperson said: ‘Units attended and due to the established state of the event, cordons were set up to contain it to ensure no further people attended and road closures were put in place.

‘Officers undertook vehicle checks and to make sure all vehicles were roadworthy; all drivers were breathalysed and subjected to drug wipes to ensure that they were fit to drive – the event was shut-down late am on New Year’s Day.

‘A 38-year-old man from Bideford was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs and on suspicion of being in possession of a controlled drug; he has since been released under investigation pending further inquiries.’