09/04/2006NewstalkZBA drunken brawl involving hundreds of people erupted in Hamilton's bar and club zone in Alexandra Street just after three o'clock this morning.
The city's police chief, Inspector Paul Carpenter, is blaming the trouble, which lasted about 40 minutes, on highly intoxicated young men..
Ten people were arrested, and several were bitten by police dogs and others were pepper-sprayed.
Inspector Carpenter says there could have been more arrests but the 20 officers were out-numbered and feared for their own safety.
He says several hundred people began fighting as bars closed, and the brawl quickly got out of control and police from all over the city were called in to help.
People lined both sides of the street, and numerous fights broke out.
He says there was a large number of very aggressive and very drunk people either looking for a fight or encouraging others to fight.
Inspector Carpenter says the whole incident was fuelled by alcohol and the downright stupid behaviour of many people.
He says there is no other reason for it but a toxic cocktail of booze and aggression.
When police arrived at the scene, the ugly crowd turned their focus on to the police, and several officers were attacked.
Some men were seen walking through the crowd brandishing pool cues.
All available police vehicles were used, including a prison van, but as police were arresting people and putting them into vans, those already in the vans were jumping out and running away.
Those arrested are local men aged between 19 and 26.
They have been charged with disorderly behaviour and will be appearing in court at a later date.
Inspector Carpenter says police are deeply concerned at the level of intoxication of the crowd.
He says bars and clubs in the central city should be taking more responsibility.
The fighting broke out when the bars closed, and police say they question the host responsibilities of these establishments.
Inspector Carpenter says they should not be letting patrons get this drunk and then setting them loose on the rest of the community.
This morning's brawl follows an incident earlier in the night, when five young men were arrested for fighting and disorderly behaviour after a party got out of control in the suburb of Dinsdale.
People at the house had been drinking since seven o'clock yesterday morning.
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Originally Posted by Teflon
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