Teenagers fight in Cannock street as party trouble flares

Police were called to a property, in Brisbane Way, Wimblebury, Cannock, following reports of a disturbance caused by youths.

Residents in the area said up to 40 teenagers, some of whom are believed to be pupils of Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School, were milling in the street and in neighbouring Brickwords Road when some of the group began fighting and shouting abuse.

A 53-year-old man, who did not want to be named, said he was punched and kicked as he and others tried to intervene to break up the fighting.

"I heard the noise so I looked outside and saw some kids walking up the road carrying bottles of alcohol and they were fighting. At first I was concerned about my cars being damaged and went over towards them, stepping in to stop it along with a man and a woman.

"There of were between 30 to 40 kids out here. It was mainly boys as well. I got punched and kicked by a couple of them. My arms are now covered in bruises. It was terrible. I had never seen anything like it. My glasses got broken and now I'll have to find £180 for a new pair. I heard someone say the trouble had started at a property in Brisbane Way. It was right melee."

Another neighbour said: "I found it very shocking. It was very distressing. One girl was lying on the ground she was in such a state.

"Parents were turning up to collect their children at 10.30pm and found them in such a state.

"There were about six police vehicles including riot vans here on Saturday night."

And another neighbour, who also did not want to be named, added: "It was a huge party and there was lots of under age drinkers."

Staffordshire Police spokeswoman Hazel Dockery said: "Patrols attended and it appears the noise was generated following a house party.

"No complaints were made to the police and there was no evidence of any criminal offences."

One of the neighbours said the problems arose after a 16th birthday party and that some of those who attended were from Cardinal Griffin school in Cannock. There was no answer at the home where the party is said to have taken place.

Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School headteacher Michael Burrowes said: "The school cannot comment on the behaviour of pupils outside of school hours. Clearly they were not wearing school uniform."