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Thousands flock to Stonehenge for solstice

THOUSANDS of people descended on Stonehenge at the weekend to mark this year’s summer solstice.

Police said about 23,000 attended the neolithic site in Wiltshire, with others — including hippies and pagans — visiting the nearby Avebury stone circle to witness sunrise on the longest day of the year.

The figure was down on the estimated 36,000 who attended last year and the 30,000 expected. But despite clouds they were able to get a glimpse of the sun as it rose above the horizon at 4.52am.

Police said arrests were lower than in previous years, with nine people being held for drug offences at Stonehenge and a handful being cautioned for possession of Class A drugs. No arrests were made at Avebury.

Wiltshire Police Superintendent Gavin Williams, who led the policing operation, said Solstice 2015 had been “a great success” with those celebrating at Stonehenge in a “positive, friendly atmosphere” as they waited for the sunrise.

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