Halloween celebrations took a chaotic turn this year as police were forced to step in at two separate house parties where hundreds of teenagers got out of control.
From Radcliffe in Greater Manchester to Blackpool in Lancashire, authorities had their hands full trying to restore order amid rowdy crowds and damaged property.
Massive Crowd Descends on Radcliffe Party
In Radcliffe, on a new-build housing estate, what was meant to be a typical Halloween get-together quickly spiraled out of control.
Witnesses reported that between 300 and 500 teenagers had turned up to the party, which was reportedly left in the care of the homeowners’ son while they were away on holiday.
Video footage from the scene showed large groups of young people leaving the area as police arrived, with one onlooker commenting, “It looks like a concert’s just finished.”
Greater Manchester Police deployed several cars and Tactical Aid Unit vans to manage the situation.
Six boys, aged 16 to 17, were arrested at the scene and have since been released on bail.
Authorities stressed that the scale of the gathering posed serious public safety concerns.
Blackpool Party Spirals into Street Disorder
Meanwhile, in Blackpool, a smaller house on the Normoss council estate became the centre of chaos as around 100 teenagers packed inside and up to 200 more congregated outside.
Many were reported to be carrying glass bottles and under the influence of alcohol, creating a dangerous environment.
Local residents described the scene as frightening, with noise and aggression spilling into the streets.
Police were initially called to attend a report that a pedestrian had been hit by a car, only to discover the larger disorder.
Lancashire Police Deploy Specials to Restore Order
Lancashire Police special constables were called in to bring the situation under control, taking nearly an hour of “sustained effort” to manage the hundreds of youths.
A spokesperson for the Specials explained that officers had to form a line against hundreds of teenagers, many fuelled by alcohol and carrying glass bottles, relying on their public order training to keep the crowd in check.
“One individual was arrested for a public order offence,” the spokesperson added, highlighting the professionalism, resilience, and teamwork of officers who managed to restore order despite the hostility.
Damage and Dangerous Activity Highlight the Risks
The aftermath of the Blackpool party left a street littered with broken glass and debris, along with significant property damage.
Earlier the same evening, officers had also been targeted by fireworks in Memorial Park, Fleetwood, turning what should have been festive celebrations into potentially dangerous incidents.
The spokesperson warned that these fireworks, essentially explosives, constitute a serious offence when aimed at people, and police are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible.
Officers Praised for Courage and Professionalism
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Specials were commended for their composure and commitment to community safety.
The incidents serve as a stark reminder of how quickly large gatherings of teenagers can escalate, and the risks police face when trying to maintain order during public events.