Immigration officers were spotted at Glastonbury Festival station as revellers made their way to Worthy Farm. Home Office bosses have now explained why they were at Castle Cary.
A picture shared on Twitter showed two officers in uniform standing outside Castle Cary station as people headed to Worthy Farm. The image shared on social media by Griff Ferris features the two officers standing against a fence while ticket holders going to the festival wander past them.
The Twitter user blasted their presence at Castle Cary, saying it was causing a "hostile environment". However, the Government has confirmed to SomersetLive why it sent the enforcement officers to the station. A Home Office spokesperson said it was linked to a multi-agency operation.
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This involved immigration officers alongside British Transport Police targeting gangs who use railways to transport members and vulnerable people as part of criminal activity they run. The spokesperson added some of these people are believed to be in the UK illegally which led to immigration being called out.
Information from the Home Office said the operation was completed at around 1pm and there was only one encounter which gave an "adverse reaction". A spokesperson said: "A multi-agency operation took place at Castle Cary, jointly led by Immigration Enforcement and British Transport Police, to tackle gangs who use the railway to transport gang members and vulnerable persons, including foreign nationals who may be in the UK illegally, to run criminal operations."
Glastonbury Festival said policing issues away from Worthy Farm is not managed by them. A statement added: "We are not responsible for - or in any way involved with - policing / enforcement away from the Festival site."
Since opening its gates yesterday, there have already been a number of memorable Glastonbury moments including a spectacular firework display last night. Joggers were again spotted taking part in an early morning lap of the site.
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