Warning after police called to break up ‘Facebook parties’ (From St Helens Star)

Warning after police called to break up ‘Facebook parties’

12:00pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Andrew Kilmurray, News editor

POLICE have been called to break up house parties that drew huge numbers after invites went viral on Facebook, the Star has learned.

Officers were called to attend the gatherings in Parr and Windle City after gatecrashers were among huge crowds who flocked to the houses.

Sources have told the Star more than 100 teenagers turned up to the parties after messages were shared between friends on the internet.

It is thought teenagers arranged the parties while their parents were away – but after messages were posted on Facebook – they drew strangers from far and wide.

One of the parties drew people from Liverpool, travellers, and an older crowd.

Nationally, there have been similar ‘Facebook parties’ that have spiralled out on control and left parents to return home facing five-figure repair bills.

It is thought officers turned up in time to stem any serious problems at these two locations, the second of which happened during school half term and saw large crowds of teenagers flood on to the streets of Windle City and Haresfinch.

In one of the incidents officers from the anti-gun crime Matrix team – were stationed in the town because of tensions in the travelling community – helped disperse the crowds.

A source said: “It’s crazy- anything could happen. Someone could have been assaulted or robbed.”

Merseyside Police did not comment directly on the incidents referred by the Star, however, spokesman did issue general warning about advertising parties on Facebook.

He said: “Many people can view these adverts and events can attract gatecrashers and potentially the disorder and crime that can accompany them. Well intentioned party organisers must take responsibility and consider consequences of their advertisements.”