Schoolies 2020: Teen arrested following Glen Iris TH King Oval park party

A Glen Iris party which had to be broken up by police in the sky has sparked concerns parks are becoming a hotbed for schoolies.

Police broke up a party involving more than 100 youths at Glen Iris' TH King Oval on Saturday, October 21. Picture: Stonnington Council.

A teenager has been arrested after a man was assaulted and had his scooter stolen in the aftermath of a boozy schoolies park party, which had to be broken up by the police air wing.

More than 200 youths were spotted partying and drinking alcohol at Glen Iris’s TH King oval on Saturday, November 21, near the suburb’s railway station and Gardiners Creek.

Stonnington detective Senior Constable Andrew Tucker said a 48-year-old Glen Iris man was riding his scooter through the park just as the party was getting broken up around 10.40pm.

Sen-Constable Tucker said a group of five teens attacked the man and stole his scooter and a set of headphones.

The man was taken to The Alfred hospital and treated for non life-threatening injuries.

Sen-Constable Tucker said officers intercepted the group a short time later and arrested a 16-year-old.

The teen was charged with robbery and assault-related offences and will appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.

Local police are set to crackdown on any planned similar events following Saturday night’s party, which was believed to have been organised on social media.

Malvern police Sergeant Sonya Clark said three units from Malvern and Prahran responded to calls from concerned neighbours about 10.30pm.

She said the event was attended by teens from across Melbourne, who dispersed after officers organised a flyover from the air-wing helicopter.

Sgt Clark said she had “no doubt” park parties were being considered by school leavers, given official Schoolies celebrations had been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

”They are limited in where they can go and can organise other things in the city of Melbourne,” Sgt Clark said.

“We don’t people mind people celebrating the end of their school career, but as long as they abide by the Chief Health Officer’s directions and do it safely.”

Sgt Clark said police would increase its patrols of Stonnington’s parks to monitor anti-social behaviour, particularly with warm weather forecast on the weekend.

She said those spotted consuming or holding open bottles of alcohol in parks and other public areas faced a $200 fine.