Sutherland chaos: Massive teen crowd gatecrashes and shuts down birthday party

A 16-year-old girl’s birthday party celebration in the Sutherland Shire turned into a major police operation after the event was gatecrashed by approximately 500 teenagers. The Sweet 16 on Bounty Avenue in Kirrawee spiraled out of control last night, with social media footage showing a tense confrontation as the crowd turned aggressive toward police.

However, a boy was arrested at the scene after allegedly throwing a full can of alcohol at officers. A police statement defending the use of force noted when bottles were thrown at police, OC spray was deployed and that during the arrest “the boy resisted officers.”

Neighbors said they were left shaken by what unfolded, and many children watched the chaos unfold from their doorsteps.

"There were a few people climbing over their neighbours' fence here to get in and out of the party, ”neighbour Aeden Byrine told 9 News. Additionally, it took a police helicopter and the Riot Squad more than an hour to disperse the crowd. 

The chaotic event on Bounty Avenue serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a private celebration can turn into a public safety emergency.