'Burn-out' competition causes strife in Hamilton

Three police dog teams and 12 police cars swept into Morrinsville yesterday after a controlled "burn-out" for drivers got out of control.

A local hotel organised the competition in its car park and it attracted "all sorts", said Sergeant Jim Casson of Hamilton.

"When you hold these sort of events, things get out of control and people decide to take to the streets and do the same thing."

More than 200 people were "causing disorder and getting a bit riotous" and a further 600 were in the hotel. One man was arrested.