Ugly end to party

Police arrested six young people after a "well-organised'' party at the Eyreton Hall turned ugly when gatecrashers arrived just after midnight on Saturday.

A team policing unit from Christchurch was called out to help North Canterbury officers close down the paint party after fighting erupted when intoxicated youths were denied entry to the hall at the corner of Mandeville Rd and South Eyre Rd.

Sergeant Colin Stewart, of the Rangiora police, said about 400 young people were at the hall attending what he described as a "reasonably well managed and organised" event.

He said it took some 20 police from Christchurch and eight local officers about 90 minutes to evacuate the hall.

Most left without incident, but about 50 youths were causing problems and police made six arrests for fighting, disorder and intoxication, he said.

Organisers of the "paint party" involving young people painted in luminous colours engaged seven people on security duty and the function had been well run until a large number of latecomers were turned away. Police were called to close the party.


"It's disappointing when the vast majority are there to enjoy themselves and a minority of grossly intoxicated youths come looking for trouble," Sergeant Stewart said.

Several of those arrested were issued pre-charge warnings, with some taken to Christchurch for detoxification. Sergeant Stewart said the hall was undamaged