Police call for help as teen party turns to mayhem

Napier police had to call in reinforcements from Hastings on Saturday night after a teenage party was targeted by hundreds of gatecrashers and exploded into violence.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mal Lochrie said today the incident at Poraiti, 13km west of Napier, provided a salutary lesson for anyone planning a party.

In an age of text-messaging, word of a party could be quickly spread, he said.

"Before they know it, it's out of control."

Police were called to the house late in the evening after receiving reports that fighting had broken out, but were not prepared for the scene which confronted them.

One officer said about 100 teenagers were fighting. He estimated that a further 300 were watching the fighting.

Pepper spray was used to subdue several of those involved, although no arrests were made.

Most heeded police instructions to disperse and leave the area.

The fracas stretched police resources, with seven officers attending.

"It was pretty annoying to tie up all the staff we had to deal with it," Mr Lochrie said.

"We had to get in back-up staff from Hastings."

Police had spoken to the party organisers, although it was not known if there were parents or other adults at the property.

Mr Lochrie said police were called to out-of-control parties "from time to time" and that on many occasions the call to report gatecrashers often came too late.

"Keep the numbers down and the minute you get gatecrashers call us."

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY