Two stabbed when party turns ugly

POLICE used capsicum spray to subdue a violent brawl in Doveton on Sunday after machetes, baseball bats and knives were produced by the crowd.
More than 100 youths watched and took part in the altercation, with two teenage boys suffering stab wounds and later being taken to Dandenong Hospital for treatment.
Sergeant John Blackburn of Endeavour Hills police said the brawl broke out in Oak Avenue Reserve, Doveton, about 1.45am following a night of parties and fights in the Endeavour Hills area.
He said police broke up an 18th birthday party in Monkhouse Drive, Endeavour Hills, shortly after 10pm on Saturday when gatecrashers attended, and police believe many of these teenagers had later travelled to Doveton.
Acting Sergeant Greg Lee attended the party and said there were between 70 and 100 young partygoers.
But Acting Sgt Lee praised the party holder’s parents for registering the party with the station and said this had made the police response much easier.
“When the call came up on the air we saw that the party was registered and could ring up the family and ask exactly what was happening,” he said.
After the party ended Acting Sgt Lee said many of the youths walked to a nearby McDonald’s and congregated there until a fight broke out.
“McDonald’s called and said youths were causing problems and police then attended,” he said.
Sgt Blackburn said many parties had been held in the Endeavour Hills and Doveton area on Saturday night and quite a few had been registered with police.
“That was excellent as at least we were able to call and communicate quickly with the families,” he said.
However, following the recent spate of incidents Sgt Blackburn said it was hard to see the value of hosting 16th and 18th birthday parties at home.
“It is unfortunate, but they seem to be more trouble then they are worth,” he said.
“If they can, people should try to keep their parties as small as possible. But it seems to be a bit of a popularity contest to see who can invite the most people.
“Teenagers need to also understand that if they are not invited they are not meant to be there,” he said.
Sgt Blackburn said local liquor outlets had been very cooperative and were aware of the consequences of selling liquor to under-aged people.
“Parties and this incident took up a majority of police resources on Saturday night.
“It took one hour to clear out the brawl and the function was not registered with the party safe register,” he said.