Hamilton police broke up large party near Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium

Hamilton police say they broke up a large and unruly party of teens in a forested area near Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium over the weekend.

Several people suffered minor injuries, including a 14-year-old girl transported to hospital and police cut by broken bottles that had been thrown at officers. Multiple provincial offences notice tickets were issued.

Shortly after 10:30 p.m. Friday, police were called to the forested area near the stadium at Upper Kenilworth Avenue and Mohawk Road East for reports of a loud party of about 60 to 100 kids that included a large fire and fireworks, said Const. Indy Bharaj.

When police arrived, they learned the party was much larger than anticipated, perhaps as big as 300 to 400 youths, he said.

When police moved to break up the party, a group was unreceptive of being moved along," Bharaj said. This led to a number of fights breaking out where several people were hurt.

Hamilton Paramedic Service Supt. Dave Thompson said two teens refused transport and a 14-year-old girl was taken to hospital in stable condition for assessment after an altercation.

During the fights, police had bottles thrown at them, Bharaj said. Some officers received minor injuries, including a cut to the finger.

As the large number of teens dispersed, police received a number of other calls complaining about behaviour.

Multiple tickets were issued," Bharaj said, adding that the tickets were for offences including public intoxication and trespassing.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com