Drunks, fights, arrests at fire gatherings

Behaviour turns ugly as teens mass to mourn victims of house blaze.

Police are urging the mourners of three fatal house fire victims to curb violent and drunken behaviour which has marred several memorial gatherings for the trio.

The funeral of Jake Hayes, 19, was held in Hamilton yesterday.

Funerals for Toni Maree Johnston, 23, and Connor Swetman, 17, are taking place today.

Hamilton Police acting city area commander, Inspector Marcus Lynam, said at least seven youths had been arrested at vigils this week.

Mr Lynam said most young people paying their respects outside the partially destroyed Collingwood St villa had been respectful, but police were concerned about the actions of a few.

"On Saturday night our staff had cause to speak to people in regards to breaching the liquor ban and the same occurred on Sunday," Mr Lynam said.

On Tuesday night, officers guarding the scene had to call for back-up to arrest an intoxicated man.

Mr Lynam said the man became abusive and lashed out.

"As a female officer went in to assist her colleague the man struck her in the head causing an injury that required medical treatment."

On Wednesday night, two drivers were arrested for driving drunk and another for driving with sustained loss of traction.

Another four people were arrested at a lantern commemoration at Claudelands Park on Thursday night.

Mr Lynam said the families of the three victims were "horrified that what were intended to be gatherings to pay respects to their loved ones were turning into something else".

He urged people planning to attend a memorial gathering tonight to "spare a thought for the loved ones who are seeking to deal with their tragic loss the best way they can."