Havoc after gatecrashers struck at teen's house party

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A terrified family watched helplessly as more than 150 gatecrashers rampaged through their street at the weekend leaving a trail of devastation.

A 15th birthday celebration descended into violence and vandalism after gangs of youths showed up uninvited to the party in Burnham. Mother Rosemary Murwisi, looked on with horror as they gathered outside her Wyndham Crescent home laden with alcohol and drugs.

Burnham neighbourhood officer PC Stuart Cook sensed trouble brewing after noticing gangs of youths heading towards the area.  "Early on it was all well behaved and under control but unfortunately as more and more youths arrived it went mad." 

Bottles were flung at two PCSOs as police tried to disperse the crowd. No one was seriously hurt and the gatecrashers were cleared out by midnight. 

PC Stuart Cook said: "This was a major drain on police resources, causing considerable distress to Burnham residents which could have been avoided."

Police confirmed that one person was arrested for public order offences. 

Hear an interview with mother Rosemary Murwisi here.

Read the full story in this week's Advertiser.