'Kids running wild': Shocking footage emerges from Airbnb party
Scores of partygoers are set to be fined after a house party with more than 60 people was broken up by police in western Sydney for breaching coronavirus restrictions on gatherings.
Police went to a home on Nottingham Street in Schofields about 11.30pm on Saturday after complaints of a noisy party.
There were chaotic scenes as dozens of revellers poured onto the quiet residential street, forcing officers to use pepper spray when a brawl broke out inside the home involving 15 people.
Video obtained by Nine News shows a handful of attendees make an unsuccessful attempt to evade police, while, a dozen or so were seen sat on the kerb under police instruction.
“There was just people everywhere, little kids running wild,” local resident Lachie Giblan told Nine News.
Officers said they arrested 30 people for refusing to move on and they intend to issue up to 60 people with COVID-19-related infringement notices of $1000.
Gatherings are currently restricted to no more than 20 people in both outdoor settings and within a home.
The home is listed on Airbnb for rent, and must be rented for a minimum of two days, with parties strictly prohibited.
Superintendent Donna McCarthy said police will not tolerate the people of NSW being put at risk.
Coronavirus Victoria: Premier flags more restrictions if masks fail
Coronavirus: Woolworths closed in Sydney after positive test
"This is a very unfortunate situation for police to have to deal with ... and it's the opposite of what we would expect of our community," Supt McCarthy told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
"We've been very clear, there'll be no more warnings in relation to this.
"We will take action and we won't tolerate the people of NSW being made unsafe."
Those who refused police requests to move on will be slapped with an additional fine, Supt McCarthy said.
‘Eight million people at risk’
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said those involved have put all of NSW at risk.
"Think about what you've just done – you've just put an entire state at risk, over eight million citizens at risk by doing that," Mr Constance told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
"This is not a time for partying, we are in a very difficult circumstance as a nation and as a state.
"I just ask everybody, just cool your jets for a while, and let's just get through this because if we follow the advice (that) is there to keep us safe."
On Sunday, NSW Health announced 13 locally acquired cases of coronavirus – its largest total in three months, fuelling fears a similar outbreak to Melbourne’s could materialise.
The party comes a week after officers in Sydney’s exclusive eastern suburbs shut down a similar gathering in Bondi, yet the dozens of partygoers escaped punishment.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller instructed his police force last week to start handing out more fines as the state was now past a point of using discretion.
with AAP
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
