A Halloween house party intended for teenage siblings devolved into chaos when its location was shared on social media, attracting over 200 uninvited youths. The event at a £800,000 home near Chorley, Lancashire, prompted a response from ten police officers amid reports of underage drinking, drug use, fireworks, and loud music.
Neighbors described the scene as "bedlam," with scores of teenagers spilling into a dark country lane. Some youths had reportedly traveled up to 30 miles. Police utilized Facebook to ask parents to collect their children, many of whom were described as "under the influence of alcohol."
Sam Mills, 46, the company director who hosted the party for his two teenage children, stated that the situation had "started to get out of hand" and that the police arrival was a "relief." He explained that while only around 30 guests were initially expected, the party "went wild on social media," leading to the influx of gatecrashers aged between 14 and 17.
During the party, one young male became ill after consuming too much alcohol, prompting his mother to take him to the hospital, which may have led to police involvement. Mills stated he was not involved with the distribution of alcohol or drugs, noting that cannabis was found on one youth in the garden.
Police reported that fireworks were set off toward a nearby house and that projectiles were thrown at officers upon their arrival. Sergeant Paul Harrison described the scene as chaotic, with the consumption of alcohol and cannabis evident. He estimated that in excess of 200 children were present, and the loud music was disturbing nearby residents.
Three youths were arrested at the scene. One was later de-arrested and taken home, while the other two were released from custody and referred to youth offending teams for offenses including possession of cannabis and being drunk and disorderly. No serious injuries were reported, though an investigation is ongoing regarding the hospitalization of one child. The party was shut down due to the reasons cited by Sergeant Harrison, including disturbances and suspected illegal activity.