Two police cars have been damaged after hundreds of people flooded the streets in Bridgewater, sparked by the visit of a convicted rapper from the mainland.
Videos shared on social media showed a crowd of mostly young people lining the streets in Hobart’s northern suburbs, with one person filmed stomping and smashing the windscreen of a police vehicle.
Local residents said the large crowd forced the closure of nearby shops and supermarkets for over an hour on Saturday afternoon.
A police officer at the scene could be heard giving formal directions to the large crowds of people, warning them to leave the area or face arrest.
“Time to get going lads … Formal direction to leave Lamprill Circle for 12 hours,” he said.
“I believe you are going to commit an offence of disorderly conduct. If you can’t leave or return in 12 hours you will be subject to arrest.”
Despite the instructions, some individuals reportedly remained in the area, claiming ‘not to understand English’ and resorting to hurling insults at the officer, telling him to “F**k off d**khead”.
A spokesperson from Tasmania Police told Pulse that no injuries were reported in the incident.
“Police responded to a reported disturbance in Bridgewater this afternoon, in which a significant number of people were allegedly engaging in hooning and antisocial behaviour,” they said.
“Police arrived to the scene and damage was caused to two police vehicles.”
“One person has since been taken into custody.”
