Police helicopter scrambled after brawl at gatecrashed party

A police helicopter was scrambled after a fight broke out when more than 100 people gatecrashed a party advertised on the social networking website Facebook, officers said today.

Police were called to an address in Chapel Lane, Farnborough, Hampshire, at 10pm on Saturday and found about 100 people in the street, with about 30 involved in a brawl.

Officers, including dog handlers from Surrey Police, took an hour and a half to disperse the crowd. Five people were arrested.

Detective Inspector Steve Cook said: "Police from Hampshire and Surrey responded swiftly and effectively with extra officers to prevent a large public order situation from escalating within the community.

"The violence reported was contained, and there have been no reports of serious injuries or further calls about disorder in the area.

"I would like to thank the community for their support, and all the witnesses who have provided statements to police already."

The five arrested are a 17-year-old youth from Farnborough, two 18-year-old men from Farnborough, one 18-year-old man from Aldershot, and one 19-year-old man from Aldershot.