Several in court after party turns into riot

Around 20 young people were due to appear in court in Blenheim today after a party got out of control and turned into a riot at the weekend.

Police had to withdraw and await reinforcements as 150 people went on the rampage throwing bottles at passing vehicles early on Sunday morning.

A total of 22 people, aged between 15 and 22, were charged with offences from disorderly behaviour to possession of an offensive weapon.

Police said more arrests could follow.

Sergeant Mike Western said the youths spilled from a house onto Nelson St, blocking traffic and throwing bottles at motorists early on Sunday morning.

He said it was a potentially dangerous situation as the road was also a state highway linking Blenheim with Nelson.

"There were probably 150 kids, everyone was drunk and they were throwing bottles. There were cars and trucks driving through getting bottles thrown at them -- not just cops."

He said reinforcements were called in from Nelson to help local police and people were being arrested up until about 3.30am.

Those charged were squeezed into the police station's holding cells, some joining prisoners already being held there awaiting court appearances today.

Mr Western said he understood the house where the party took place was rented by young people and uninvited guests were among those who turned up. No police officers were hurt.

The charges all related to disorderly behaviour and some were also arrested for breaching the town's liquor laws.

Those arrested would appear in Blenheim District Court today.

- NZPA