Concerns for Safety-Party Shut Down

Police say the party, which attracted more than 800 revellers on Saturday night, was a potential fire hazard as there was only one exit.

The event, held at Wolfe Street at West End, was promoted through Facebook and word-of-mouth, with organisers charging a $10 entry fee.

Police arrived at 9pm after receiving noise complaints from nearby residents.

They say private on-site security negotiated with the organisers to shut the party down.

Senior sergeant Todd Sucic said the venue was unsuitable for the crowded function and the organisers could be charged with breaches of fire safety laws.

“As an organiser you are legally responsible for the safety all the people that attend that function in those types of premises,” he told ABC radio.

“If there was a fire … there was a high risk of persons being injured and possibly killed as a result of the poor safety conditions of that building.”

Police have asked Queensland Fire and Emergency Services officers to determine if fire safety legislation had been breached.

“I think there was only one exit and 800-odd people there … any sort of situation would have created chaos,” QFES acting inspector Glen Arnold said.

“During those chaotic times, it could have been a nightmare trying to evacuate that building under emergency circumstances.”

Capsicum spray to defuse brawlers

Police officers were confronted by more than 80 young people throwing glass bottles in Melbourne’s south-east late Friday night.

Police were called to Avondale Court in Springvale following reports of a brawl in the street.

When they arrived, the group targeted officers and became abusive and aggressive, with at least one bottle thrown at officers.

Police then used capsicum spray to defuse about four brawlers. The group left the scene and headed north to Springvale Road. Police reported they continued to act abusively towards police, throwing more glass bottles at officers and fight amongst themselves. No arrests have been made.