Police probe alleged illegal party in Torquay

An out-of-control party at a Torquay property that allegedly breached Covid restrictions has left neighbours in shock.

Police are investigating an out-of-control Torquay party at a short-term rental after reports of a brawl and property damage that had neighbouring families terrified.

Officers responded to reports of the wild gathering at an Airbnb property on Fishos Drive in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A neighbour believes attendees threw rocks at her house as they dispersed and hid in a nearby laneway and paddocks when police arrived.

“My kids were lying terrified in bed thinking robbers were going to come in and grab them,” she said.

Police are investigating a party that took place at a Torquay Airbnb over the weekend.

In a Facebook post, she said a fight broke out in the street while another neighbour caught a partygoer in their back yard, who was later handed over to police.

Senior Constable Magdaline Papadopoulos said the incident was under investigation.

“On arrival officers located five teenagers hiding in a bedroom of the Fishos Drive short-term rental property after midnight,” she said.

“Police are investigating whether two windows broken at a nearby address are linked to the party.”

It is understood that officers spoke with the owner of the rental property who was unaware of the teenagers’ intent to throw a party.

Under state restrictions, private gatherings in the home are not permitted, however regional Airbnb properties can be rented out by same households, intimate partners or bubble members.

According to the state government’s road-map private groups will be able to rent accommodation spaces together when 80 per cent of Victorians are fully vaccinated, which is expected about November 5.

At this time individuals will be able to welcome up to ten people, including dependants, into their household with accommodation bookings subject to the same limits on gatherings.

Originally published as Police probe alleged illegal party in Torquay