Four Chch students arrested after 'dangerous' out-of-control party

A party in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton got out of hand last night, with a bonfire, people jumping on cars and officers being pelted with bottles. File photo / Thinkstock

Four students were arrested last night after a party in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton spun out of control.

Christchurch South area commander inspector Malcolm Johnston said the party, which included a bonfire, people jumping on cars and officers being pelted with bottles, was one of the most disorderly police had attended for some time.

Police were called to the flat near the corner of Riccarton Road and Wharenui Road after receiving noise complaints.

About 250 people were celebrating and officers found a large bonfire burning on the property.

Police shut down the party but as revellers dispersed, some started jumping on parked cars, knocking over wheelie bins, walking through neighbouring properties and throwing bottles at police officers.

"The bottle throwing is particularly nasty. There's a real danger that officers, or other people at the party, could be seriously injured by flying bottles.

"That kind of rioting is over the top and there's no reason police should be subjected to it,'' Mr Johnston said.

"There was a huge amount of disruption to the surrounding neighbourhood - and the community just doesn't need this kind of aggravation at the moment.''

The four students have been arrested on various disorder offences and were released after receiving pre-charge warnings.

- NZPA