Riot fear forces police to shut down school function

A school function was closed down by police last night after fears that a riot would break out.

At least 20 police officers broke up the incident after a "mob" of students turned up without tickets at the talent quest at Lynfield College, west Auckland.

The group became disorderly when they were not allowed to attend, police communications manager Leanne Frisbie said.

There were 10 police cars at the school and the police helicopter Eagle hovered overhead.

"Police were called to the school to disperse the crowd of at least 400 people, after the school's Board of Trustees decided to close the function down as the crowd was becoming unmanageable and fights were breaking out," Ms Frisbie said.

"The first attending unit called for back up when it became clear that the crowd was not going to be moved on easily, and once reinforcements arrived, police formed a skirmish line and marched into the crowd ordering them to move on."

Police said the "would-be rioters" dispersed when they realised a night in the cells could be on the cards.

Senior Sergeant Matt Rogers said officers brought a potentially ugly situation under control without the need for force and without a huge number of arrests.

"In this instance the sheer presence of uniformed police was enough to put an end to disorderly behaviour, and send a very strong message to these youths that riotous behaviour will not be tolerated," he said.

Students who contacted the Herald suggested the trouble was outside the school, away from the talent quest. They said a car was broken into and hi-fi equipment and other items stolen.

- NZHERALD STAFF, NZPA