Three children were arrested and a child was taken to hospital following an illegal Halloween party in Chorley, Lancashire, which police shut down over a breach of the peace. More than 200 children attended the gathering, which was held at a house against the homeowner's will.
Police said the children had been drinking alcohol, taking drugs, disturbing neighbours and throwing items at officers. The homeowner had barricaded one of the doors in an effort to keep the attendees out.
Arrests and hospitalisation
Three children were arrested at the scene. One was de-arrested and taken home, while the other two were released from custody and referred to the Youth Offending Team. One faces an offence of possession of cannabis, and the other was arrested for being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
No one was seriously injured during the incident, but an investigation is underway into the hospitalisation of a child. Police initially said last night that around 150 people had been sent home as they appealed to parents on social media.
Police statement on the party
Sergeant Harrison, from Chorley Police, said: "Last night we appealed to the parents of a number of children to make contact with your child to arrange that they return home safely following a House Party that was shut down. A few points were raised by the Public last night so this post will hopefully add clarity to a few of those points."
He added: "First and foremost upon speaking with colleagues we underestimated the number of people at the party. It is the general consensus of the officers that there were in excess of 200 children present."
"Secondly the party was shut down due to a Breach of the Peace. Earlier in the evening we had reports that fireworks had been set off towards a nearby house and it was believed to have been done by children attending this party. At this point we advised the adults present at the party that we would be monitoring the party."
"We later received a call saying a child had been admitted to hospital and we are investigating the reasons behind this."
Drugs and projectiles at the scene
Upon arriving at the house, officers found evidence of excess alcohol consumption and noted that all except three people at the address were children. Cannabis was seized from the address, and police said drug use had occurred as they could smell cannabis in the house.
The music was extremely loud and "disturbing the peace of nearby residents," and while dealing with the situation, officers had "projectiles" thrown at them.
The force said only 10 officers were at the scene compared to over 200 attendees, so they did not have the capacity to take the children home. They remained at the scene for over an hour until attendees had left the area, keeping vehicles on a very unlit country lane to maximise the safety of those leaving.
The Facebook post appealing for parents was shared over 400 times, reaching 750,000 people, and police said they are highly confident it had a positive impact and resulted in some children returning home.
Police are urging anyone with information about the supply of drugs, fireworks and alcohol to children to email the Chorley and South Ribble Task Force at ChorleyandSouthRibbleTaskForce@lancashire.police.uk.
