Birthday crashers terrorise Shrewsbury residents

Dozens of youths gatecrashed a birthday party in Shrewsbury and threw bottles at passing cars, terrifying local people, police said today.

Officers said they were initially called to reports of a "riot" involving about 100 people near Shelton Hospital in the town.

Staff at the hospital alerted police just after 10.30pm to reports of a hoard of people standing on the traffic island off Welshpool Road, rioting and throwing bottles at passing cars.

When police arrived they found about 30 youths, mostly female, who were in the streets of a nearby housing estate.

They are believed to have been celebrating at a 17th birthday party and were traced back to a property in Cavendish Close, which police say was gatecrashed.

West Mercia Police today said a large number of officers were sent to the scene after hospital staff claimed they were scared to leave the building and more calls were received from residents in the area.

Most officers stood down within 10 minutes as the situation was brought under control.

Inspector Paul Crumpton said: "If anyone has received any damage to their property as a result of the incident they are urged to contact their local police team." Witnesses are urged to call 0300 333 3000.