The scene of the ollingwood St fire which claimed the lives of three people. Photo / Jason Oxenham
The scene of the ollingwood St fire which claimed the lives of three people. Photo / Jason Oxenham
The families of the three Hamilton house fire victims are "horrified" that gatherings intended to pay respects to their loved ones have turned violent.
Police are urging mourners curb violent and drunken behaviour which has marred several memorial gatherings for the trio this week.
The call comes as the funeralfor the first victim, Jake Hayes, 19, gets underway on the outskirts of Hamilton this afternoon.
The funerals for the other two victims of last Saturday's blaze, Toni Maree Johnston, 23, and Connor Swetman, 17, will take place tomorrow.
Hamilton Police acting city area commander, Inspector Marcus Lynam, said at least seven youths had been arrested at several incidents at vigils in the city in recent nights.
Mr Lynam said while most young people paying their respects outside the partially destroyed Collingwood St villa had been respectful, police were concerned about the actions of a few.
"On Saturday night our staff had cause to speak to people in regards to breaching the liquor ban and the same occurred on Sunday," Mr Lynam said.
Things took a turn for the worse on Tuesday night when officers guarding the scene had to call for back-up to arrest an intoxicated man.
"The man has become abusive and lashed out. As a female officer went in to assist her colleague the man has struck her in the head causing an injury that required medical treatment."
On Wednesday night police had to deal with more drunk teenagers and two drivers were arrested for driving drunk and another for sustained loss of traction.
Another four people were arrested at a lantern commemoration at Claudelands Park last night.
Mr Lynam said the families of the three victims were "horrified that what were intended to be gatherings to pay respects to their loved ones were instead turning into something else".
He issued a zero tolerance warning for those planning to attend a memorial after Jake Haye's funeral at Wash World Te Rapa tonight, to keep their behaviour in check.
"Spare a thought for the loved ones who are seeking to deal with their tragic loss the best way they can.
"Ask yourself if your behaviour is supporting them in the best way you can and if the answer is no then consider if you are there for the right reasons."
