Officer knocked to the ground in mob attack

Several carloads of police were need to restore calm after a DJ dubstep music party ignited into a running battle. File photo / NZ Herald

A drunken rabble "hell-bent on violence" attacked police called to quell a late-night brawl in Masterton at the weekend.

Masterton police Sergeant Mark Revill-Johnson said up to a dozen male and female officers had been scrambled to break up the fight, which broke out about 1am on Saturday.

Up to 15 revellers had become involved in the running battle in northern Queen St that ignited soon after two men were escorted from the nearby Master Bowl premises, where up to 150 patrons had gathered for a DJ dubstep music party.

Several carloads of police, some wielding batons, had sprinted headlong into the fray, restoring calm about 15 minutes later.

Sergeant Revill-Johnson said several men had attacked one of the first policemen to reach the knot of combatants and knocked the officer to the ground before they were subdued.

Other skirmishes had erupted in quick succession involving peacemakers, brawlers and police - who pepper-sprayed several people before arresting and handcuffing them.

Brawlers who fled the area after skirmishing with officers were chased down on foot.

"The group was hell-bent on violence and at least one uniformed officer was attacked during the incident," Sergeant Revill-Johnson said.

The officer suffered minor injuries.

Master Bowl co-owner Angie Flemming said the incident was "the first instance of trouble" at the premises since the combined bowling alley, restaurant and bar had opened a year ago.

The conflict had marred an otherwise peaceful evening for partygoers.

However, she was heartened police had been quick to arrive and gain control.

"They were here in force before I hung up from 111.

"There's a police security camera right outside and it's comforting to know they can get here almost within seconds."

Ms Flemming was also pleased the conflict had not engulfed bystanders and that an Alcohol Accord running among bars in the town had rapidly warned members of the fracas.

"There were some people taken away that wandered too close as spectators.

"But in all fairness the police were just doing their job and you get too close, you can only expect to get arrested."

Sergeant Revill-Johnson said several people were arrested at the scene and would face charges of assault, disorderly behaviour and breaching the liquor ban.