Darlington swamped by Facebook party (From The Northern Echo)

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Darlington swamped by Facebook party

8:00am Friday 17th February 2012 in Darlington By Tamasyn Guy-Jobson, Reporter (Darlington)

TEENAGE PARTY: The chaotic scene on Wednesday night when more than 600 youngsters tried to attend a party in Darlington

A POLICE investigation was under way last night after a half-term teenage party advertised on Facebook sparked chaos when more than 600 young people descended on a North-East bar, blocking the street and sparking fights.

The 16th birthday party, at The Grange in Darlington, on Wednesday night, had been dubbed “Atmosphere: The Biggest and Best Party in Darlington” on the social networking site.

The Northern Echo understands that police are investigating claims that the organiser who booked the venue may have sold more tickets than the 450-capacity venue could accommodate. Sources claimed this led to large queues outside as would-be party-goers were denied entry.

Police confirmed no drink was sold to any of the teenagers at the bar, but, when the party came to an abrupt end following a disagreement between the DJ and the organiser, witnesses described scenes of drunken fighting in the streets. One youth was arrested for being drunk and a 15-year-old girl was taken to hospital by her parents after drinking too much.

The bar owner maintained last night that the party was not at any point out of control and the bar closed earlier than usual because of a disagreement about payment between the DJ and the organiser.

A spokesman for The Grange said: “The DJ did not want to continue his set because of a disagreement with the person who organised it.

“We have a close relationship with the police, who we also consult with about these events. I am happy we have not broken any licensing laws, and also the arrest was not made on the site.

“At one point it got lively, but there was not a problem with overcrowding. When the music stopped, everyone left the bar at the same time.”

However, that seems to have been the flashpoint for drunken scuffles on the street outside as hundreds of teenagers poured out.

One of the young partygoers, who did not want to be named, told The Northern Echo: “When we got in the queue, everyone was told to leave and I did not know why.

“Everyone was really confused.

People were just stood around The Grange and some fights broke out.

“The police tried to get people to move away. There were loads of drunk people passing out.”

Another reveller said they were inside the bar for an hour at most before being ushered outside by bouncers.

“A fight broke out between some girls, then there was also a fight between two 16- year-old lads,” said the youth.

Dawn Huntrod, from Bishopton, near Stockton, described what she saw as “every parent’s nightmare”.

She said: “There were young girls dressed as if they were appearing in Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, and girls and boys drunk.

“Surely the police service have far better things to be doing than babysitting and trying to avoid kids getting hurt?

“Parents need to be aware what their children are up to on nights out in Darlington.”

Police were called to the party at 9.15pm. Fifteen minutes later, the bar closed.

Dave Barker, acting neighbourhood inspector for Darlington, said: “The bar was closed at 9.30pm – it was getting rowdy.

“At about 9.45pm, everyone left, but the incident caused a few issues in the town centre as the youths left The Grange.

“There was one arrest of a youth being drunk and a 15- year-old girl was taken to hospital by her parents because she had consumed too much alcohol.

“We have an investigation into the incident to determine whether the organiser has committed an offence. It seems that word of mouth spread and friends of youths were selling tickets.”

Comments(50)

Senor says...
9:49am Fri 17 Feb 12

So where did they get the alcohol to get drunk??? Could it have been bought as usual in a supermarket or off-license???