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Police had to be called to turf hundreds of partygoers out from an illegal New Year’s Eve rave INSIDE the Newcastle tower of the Tyne Bridge .

While thousands celebrated on the Quayside watching fireworks a few hundred brazen revellers broke into Newcastle’s Tyne Bridge tower for a late night party.

At around 1.30am on New Year’s Day Northumbria Police officers were dispatched in their droves to the tower to break up the illegal party.

Eye-witnesses reported seeing heavy duty saws being used to cut through the heavy metal doors of the tower.

Police are now hunting for the organisers of the rave and are urging anyone with any information to come forward.

One man, who captured the entire incident on video from his Premier Inn bedroom, said: “We got back around 1am and I could hear music and see a few lights in the tower, but to be honest I didn’t really think much of it. The music was really loud, but I assumed it was coming from the Quayside.

“I remember being woken up at about 2.30am to the sound of a loud bang and dogs barking, so I looked out the window and basically saw Northumbria Police’s whole force at the base of the tower.

“They smashed a wooden door and then they started using a circular saw to cut through a metal vault door.

“They were shouting at people to come out otherwise they would go in with the dogs.”

The man, who had been out partying in Newcastle with his partner, added: “It was unbelievable to see how many people came out, there must have been about 300 people.

“I didn’t get much sleep, but I wasn’t really bothered - it was an interesting start to the year.”

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A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Around 1.50am concern was raised that an illegal rave was being held in the old lift shaft of the Tyne Bridge in Lombard Street on the Quayside.

“Police attended and forced entry to discover around 200 people inside. Music and sound equipment had illegally been connected to the electricity supply.

“The building was quickly evacuated and was secured by police to allow the electricity to be made safe.

They added: “Inquiries are on-going to identify the organisers. It’s believed three men in a white van were seen taking equipment into the tower during the evening on Friday and Saturday. Officers are keen to trace these man and would ask they, or anyone who knows who they may be, come forward.”

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 245 010117 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.