Police battle drunken students on Dunedin streets

Police used batons to subdue a mob of drunken students running riot through the streets of Dunedin last night.

Several officers were hit by flying beer bottles but there were no reports of any injuries.

The drama began after police went to investigate reports of couches being set alight and glass being broken in the Castle Street area.

When they arrived they found an estimated 300-400 students watching the fires being tackled by firefighters.

"Many in the crowd were heavily intoxicated and drinking from bottles and cans," Police Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said today.

As police attempted to disperse the students, bottles were thrown at them and more fires were lit.

"At this stage police moved the crowd with the use of batons.

"Police continued to disperse the crowd for about 45 minutes until they broke up into small groups and left the area."

Mr Grindell said 30 arrests were made for a variety of disorder-related offences.

"Police at the scene were disappointed with the levels of intoxication and behaviour of the crowd," he said.

- NZPA