The scene of a wild house party in the outer western suburb of Werribee in Melbourne. Photo / AAP
The scene of a wild house party in the outer western suburb of Werribee in Melbourne. Photo / AAP
Residents have been left terrified after gangs of youths attacked police and smashed cars during a rampage after a party at a rented Airbnb house in Melbourne's west.
Police were called to the home in Attunga Grove at Werribee at about 3.30am local time yesterday to reports that two womenwere being assaulted. But officers were forced to retreat when partygoers began throwing rocks.
Neighbours say they were left terrified when up to 40 youths from the house started roaming the streets, throwing rocks and smashing cars.
"It was terrifying ... I grabbed my young daughter and went to the back room so that way, if they got in, we'd be harder to get to," neighbour Kristy told AAP.
She was woken by noises at the house about 1am and rang police twice. "They were looking for trouble," she said of the youths.
Kristy says the horde arrived at the party house by car, taxi and even bus.
Her neighbour Chantelle said: "As soon as they started throwing rocks at the police they thought they could do anything." Both women were critical of the police response, after officers had been called to the address the night before.
"They knew there were issues the night before; why would they only send two police officers to start with?" Kristy asked.
Police said once they realised the extent of the situation heavily armed riot squad officers and crowd controllers were called.
Wyndham police Inspector Marty Allison said police pushed the group away from the house but did not make any arrests. He said that the rented house sustained severe damage to walls, roof and furniture.
The house was listed for rent with the warning "no parties", but footage of the three-bedroom property after the event shows fluid strewn around and holes punched in walls. The home owner leased the house to two women, Allison said. He urged people who rent properties online to be vigilant and confirm identities.
Airbnb said: "We have permanently banned these individuals ... and are fully supporting our host."
