Debut party ends up in mass brawl

Callum Brodie • Published 14 Nov 2008 12:00 0 Comments

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THE first-ever late-night party at the Thames Valley Athletics Centre ended in disaster after police were called when fighting erupted amongst revellers.

Event organisers at the centre on Pococks Lane, Eton, will now review policy on private functions following the incident during which bouncers were attacked in a brawl involving up to 20 teenagers.

Guests began to arrive at the Halloween fancy dress party, to which 70 people were invited, for a night that was due to finish when the licensed bar closed at 12.30am.

The evening's entertainment was cut short at 11.45pm, however, when police were called to put an end to a large-scale fight that started in the car park and carried on into the reception area of the building.

The two-man door staff were set upon and assaulted when they tried to intervene.

Tim Mattos, TVAC manager, said: "We are used to holding large events here but this was the first such function of its kind. It may be necessary to review our policy on private parties in light of this incident.

"We hadn't anticipated the kinds of guests that turned up, it appeared that most people were around 19 to 20. A private security firm was employed to police this event and I am led to believe that they were assaulted."

A police investigation is now underway after a large number of officers responded to the incident and two arrests were made on the night.

A 16 year-old male has been bailed and will appear in court on November 30 after being arrested for affray, while an 18 year-old man was also arrested for the same offence.

A 17 year-old was issued with a fixed penalty notice for rowdy behaviour.

This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 14 Nov 08

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