17 arrests after wild Blenheim party

Police in Blenheim took until 10.30am today to process the last of 17 drunken youths who were arrested after rioting at a party last night.

Sergeant Mike Western said the youths were among about 150 people who spilled from a house onto Nelson St, blocking traffic and throwing bottles at motorists.

Mr Western said it was a potentially dangerous situation as the road was also a state highway linking Blenheim with Nelson.

"There were probably 150 kids, everyone was drunk and they were throwing bottles. There were cars and trucks driving through getting bottles thrown at them -- not just cops."

He said reinforcements were called in from Nelson to help local police and people were being arrested up until about 3.30am.

Those charged were squeezed into the police station's holding cells, some joining prisoners already being held there awaiting court appearances tomorrow.

Mr Western said he understood the house where the party took place was rented by young people and uninvited guests were among those who turned up. No police officers were hurt.

The charges all related to disorderly behaviour and some were also arrested for breaching the town's liquor laws.

Mr Western said all those arrested were due to appear in Blenheim District Court tomorrow.

- NZPA