Police called to “violent and frightening” party hours after lockdown

Police were called to the property on two occasions throughout the night, however, residents are fuming over how the situation was handled.

A house party in Grafton that kicked off just one hour after statewide lockdown restrictions took effect has left the community flabbergasted.

A house party in Grafton that kicked off just one hour after statewide lockdown restrictions took effect has left the community flabbergasted after no fines were handed out.

A spokesperson for NSW Police has confirmed that Coffs/Clarence Police attended a home in Grafton following complaints about loud music at the address.

“On sighting police, the music was turned down and the lights were turned off,” the spokesperson said.

“An occupant approached officers outside and was issued with a noise abatement direction. He was also reminded of the restrictions under the current public health orders.”

A short time later, police were called back to the street after reports of a fight and approximately 10-15 people were seen fleeing the area.

However, despite current NSW Public Health Orders restricting all unnecessary visitors to homes until the lockdown ends, Police confirmed that no penalty infringement notices were issued on the night.

One nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, said they were furious by the way police handled the situation.

“It clearly appeared to be a case of police choosing to ignore the NSW Government’s strict lockdown laws,” a nearby resident, who did not wish to be named, told The Daily Examiner.

“How is handing them a free pass fair to the rest of the community who do the right thing?

“It makes a mockery of Berejiklian’s draconian lockdown measures to prevent superspreader events, just hours after the strictest measures we’ve seen yet were put in place across NSW.”

The resident said they were especially disappointed that, while they have been doing the right thing and self-isolating while awaiting their Covid test results back after displaying minor symptoms, a “violent and frightening” party was able to carry on down the street.

“There was persistent noise and offensive behaviour from about 6pm until dozens of people fled and hid in nearby properties when police slowly approached the property with high beams at 10.23pm,” the resident said.

“What’s more, the two police officers who scanned the street feigned ignorance and mocked surprise when they visited the wrong property and were told the party was actually a block down the road. The police definitely knew which property it was.”

A Coffs-Clarence Police chief inspector Brendan Gorman said that while only warnings were given in relation to the party, from Monday, there will be a zero tolerance approach to future incidents as new rules come into effect.

“Fines will increase as well, so we encourage everybody to comply with pub health orders,” he said.