POLICE are warning organisers of illegal raves they will use all available powers to stop them from going ahead.

Wiltshire Police has joined up with their four neighbouring forces to clamp down on illegal raves in the south west.

The region has been pinpointed by police intelligence as one of the most likely to be targeted by rave organisers.

Operation Hartley will target the organisers to stop festivals and gatherings before they begin.

Other agencies, including English Heritage, will be consulted as part of the operation.

Stonehenge will be one of the high-risk areas under close scrutiny, as hundreds of people are expected to gather at the ancient stones in June for the summer solstice.

Officers from Avon and Somerset will step up surveillance around the time of the Glastonbury Festival, to ensure people without tickets do not try to set up alternative gatherings.

Wiltshire's Assistant Chief Constable Peter Vaughan said: "The message to the organisers of illegal raves is that should you decide to go ahead with plans to stage an unlawful gathering, the police will use all available powers to stop the event and if necessary seize the sound equipment.

"Unsanctioned events are not only illegal but are not properly assessed for safety and could put a large number of people in danger."

Members of the public are being urged to report any suspicious activity.