An under-18s club night was shut down tonight (Saturday) after disorder erupted, prompting a significant police response in Newport town centre.
At least 9 police vehicles descended on the town as officers responded to reports of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and violence towards security staff at Strings, on Orchard Street.
The venue was emptied out with hundreds of youths piling onto the streets of Newport Town Centre.
A number of people were subsequently detained on South Street and St James’ Street, while officers dispersed crowds from the area.
The fundraising event at Strings Bar and Venue had been arranged by parents in partnership with the venue to raise money for local Scouts preparing for an international expedition to the USA next year.
However, the event had to be cut short after a minority reportedly damaged the venue, smoked in the toilets and became violent towards members of the security team.
A spokesperson Strings Bar and Venue has tonight said:
“Due to some anti-social behaviour, damage to our venue, smoking in toilets and violence towards our security staff, this fundraising event for local Scouts arranged by parents in partnership with Strings had to be cut short.
“We are extremely disappointed for those attending who were behaving appropriately.”
The event had been intended to provide a safe, alcohol-free and fully supervised night out for teenagers aged between 13 and 17.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has been approached for a statement.
