Police are investigating alleged assaults and liquor offences after an underage Halloween party at Clifton Beach, south-east of Hobart, left at least five people in hospital.
Pulse first reported yesterday about a gathering at a private property started on Saturday night that continued into early Sunday morning, with the crowd estimated at around 500.
A Department of Health spokesperson said five party attendees were taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital and others were treated at the scene.
“Patients were assessed and treated for a range of medical conditions and injuries, including the effects of alcohol and other drugs,” the spokesperson said.
Tasmania Police said officers visited the property to support Ambulance Tasmania crews after receiving multiple reports about the gathering.
Police said those at the party were generally compliant with officers’ instructions.
A 17-year-old was arrested and was charged and released on bail.
Officers are also investigating a number of reports of anti-social behaviour, liquor offences and assaults allegedly committed at the gathering, police confirmed.
A mother who spoke to Pulse on the condition of anonymity said her son was attacked after he walked across the “large” property to see why police and ambulances had arrived.
“It took up to 10 boys to get him to the ground,” she said.
She alleged the boys kicked him, stomped on him and took turns hitting him while he lay in the foetal position and that video of the alleged attack was shared on social media.
His injuries include a boot-print bruise on his back and bruising behind his ear, and he has had an X-ray because he cannot open his mouth fully, she said.
The family believes he was targeted, after he received a text message from someone he did not know asking “where are you?”.
She said her son told an officer at the party what had happened and was told to go home.
While she said police “had a lot of other things they were dealing with”, the family was disappointed officers “didn’t make sure he was okay”.
The family reported the alleged assault to police on Sunday morning and handed over a video and the names of some of the boys involved. They have not yet heard whether anyone has been charged.
Another mother, whose sons also went to the party, said one of them was hit with a shovel.
“My son was attacked with a shovel in an unprovoked incident, leaving his head split open, requiring staples and an overnight hospital stay,” she said.
The party was advertised on Facebook and Snapchat, where nearly 700 people indicated they would attend. Attendees reportedly included children as young as 14.
The host charged a $5 entry fee but reportedly did not hire security.
The mother said guests who had not been invited were charged $10.
According to the health spokesperson, ambulances had to return to the property repeatedly over an extended period, putting strain on emergency services.
The spokesperson said the incident showed the importance of “planning, supervision and risk management for large gatherings, particularly as we approach the end of the school year and Christmas”.
