Police officer attacked at out of control fireworks party

A Rotorua police officer was struck to the ground from behind and youths pelted cans and fireworks at other officers trying to break up a drunken fight at an out-of-control party.
Police were called to a Logan St property in Fairy Springs about 12.15am on Saturday after receiving reports of up to 100 teenagers fighting and causing disorder.
Rotorua police are now urging people tempted to supply alcohol to under-aged youths to think about the consequences of their actions.
A nearby resident, who didn't want to be identified, said when he saw a large gathering of youths in the street start to get rowdy, he rang the police.
"There was a lot of noise coming from the house, their music was getting too much," he said.
"But around midnight all these young people came out and stood underneath the light pole all yelling at someone. My wife was sitting in the lounge with the cellphone and I told her to call the police.
"They [police] turned up in about five minutes, a car and a van, and started dispersing them."
Senior Sergeant Dennis Murphy said the party had to be closed down and as police were moving people on, a fight broke out.
"Cans were thrown and fireworks were fired at police. At one point a police officer was knocked to the ground from behind as he attempted to arrest a firework thrower," Mr Murphy said.
"He suffered lacerations to his face and eye area after his head struck the concrete footpath," he said.
The officer was taken to Rotorua Hospital where he was later discharged. He returned to duties on Saturday night.
An 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with disorderly behaviour. He will appear in the Rotorua District Court this week.
Mr Murphy described the incident as an "extremely dangerous, stupid" criminal act.
"Fireworks are essentially incendiary devices and serious injury could result for police on the receiving end or the person throwing the device if it goes off in the thrower's hand," Mr Murphy said.
"This was another alcohol-fuelled incident involving large numbers of under-age youth drinking to excess."
He urged anyone tempted to supply liquor to under-age people to think seriously about the consequences of their actions.
A woman who lived at the house where the party was held, who didn't want to be identified, said the party was well controlled but they had no control over what people did when they left the property.
A Logan St resident was shocked to hear of the attack, saying the street was normally very quiet. "I did hear some music and young people walking up and down but that was it. I'm surprised to hear of a fight.
"It's terrible a police officer has been hurt. I've been here for 40 years and we just don't need that sort of thing here."