Grove brawl mars party

ANDREW MATHIESON
BELLARINE Peninsula revellers were on their best and worst behaviour during New Year’s Eve, according to police.
Drunken teenage brawls on the beach at Ocean Grove and use of forbidden fireworks around the peninsula overshadowed a drink-driving free night on the peninsula.
Bellarine Police Senior Sergeant Gary Coombes said most arrests were made at Ocean Grove’s foreshore.
He said violent attacks between some partygoers and against police were particularly “disturbing”.
“There were lot of young kids who were drinking and had a lot of issues,” Snr Sgt Coombes said.
“We also had a couple of bottles thrown at police horses and one of them had a slight injury, only a superficial wound as I understand it,” he said.
“We’ve already followed it up with that offender.”
No police officers were hurt during the incident.
Last year Bellarine police brought only one offender into custody on New Year’s Eve, compared to more than a dozen this week.
“Many we brought back were released to their parents as soon as they got here,” Snr Sgt Coombes said.
“In that respect, it was busy and disappointing.”
There were also incidences of illegal use of fireworks reported at Portarlington and St Leonards, also causing a greater fire risk during dry conditions, he said.
Bellarine’s top cop, however, was pleased motorists continued to heed calls to remain sober.
While two were charged with drink driving last year, a booze bus between Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads found no-one was over the limit.
Snr Sgt Coombes said police would continue its strong presence on the peninsula roads over the next month, with an increase in officers from both Corio and Geelong stations.