Dozen arrested at after-ball party

Police arrested 12 people after an after-ball school party turned sour in yesterday.

Police who arrived to deal with gate crashers at the King Country party were pelted with bottles and a patrol car window was smashed.

The party was organised by high school seniors after the Taumarunui High School ball.

Police estimated there were about 120 people outside the party venue when trouble broke out.

The party organiser had asked for police help to close the party down after realising it was out of control.

Senior Sergeant Paul Wilton said police were disappointed that the organiser "irresponsibly" decided to continue with the party after being spoken to by police.

As the crowd dispersed, there were several other incidents of objects being thrown at passing vehicles.

The arrests were mostly for disorderly behaviour and among them was just one current high school student.

"This incident need not reflect badly on the high school or its students -- the blame rests with the people who did not control an event they organised and parents not ensuring the safety of their teenagers late at night and under the influence of alcohol," Mr Wilton said.

- NZPA