Two arrests after Darwen Hallowe'en party 'mayhem'

Police were forced to close roads around Highfield Working Men’s Club, Ratcliffe Street, after 400 teenagers in fancy dress turned up.

A flurry of calls were made to the police by residents at 9.45pm on Saturday with reports of youths starting fights, lighting fireworks and urinating on cars.

Two arrests were made and one teenage girl was taken to hospital with what police said were 'alcohol-induced' problems.

Following the incidents, the borough has revoked the club's licence pending the outcome of a meeting on Wednesday.

Stacey Grech, 30, of Edmund Street, said she feared for her two daughters’ safety when teenagers set off fireworks at the rear of their house.

She said: “Half the street were out asking the kids to move on, but all we got was abuse.

“There were hundred of them, all dressed up in Hallowe’en fancy dress and mini skirts, all drinking, fighting and setting off fireworks."

A resident of Sudell Road, who asked not to be named, said the scene was 'horrendous'.

She said: “Four young men were using my driveway as a latrine and my daughter had to wash her car as that had been urinated on as well. It was disgusting.

“I have felt very stressed about this over the weekend. I feel it was very unsafe."

A police spokeswoman said officers 'closed the club immediately for breaches of conditions'.

He said: "Police dispersed the crowd away from the club and away from the town centre.

“Police are currently reviewing the premises and are considering any further action to be taken with regards the future of the license.”

Adam Scott, strategic director of regeneration and environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The council's licensing department is working with the police and club management to address any breach of the licensing conditions."

Committee members of The Highfield WMC were unavailable for comment yesterday.

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