An official report has vindicated the response from police to an out-of-control party in Christchurch last year where a man drove into a crowd of teenagers, killing two of them.
Driver Lipine Sila, 23, was jailed for life in June for the murder of Hannah Rossiter and JaneYoung, both 16, and for injuring several other teens.
The report released yesterday by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) assessed the police response to the Edgeware Rd party as it grew out of control on May 5, and addressed criticism that the response was too slow.
The report said at least 600 young people turned up at the party and police grouped nearby as calls from members of the public were received.
It said police in riot gear formed skirmish lines soon after 11pm and were about to close down the party when Sila drove into a crowd of bystanders.
IPCA chairwoman Justice Lowell Goddard concluded the response to the events could not be faulted.
"Police could not have prevented Mr Sila's actions," she said.
The IPCA recommended police develop a national policy for dealing with situations such as out-of-control parties.
