Birthday party gate-crashed after radio shout-out

A MOTHER has described her terror as hundreds of drunken gate-crashers swarmed into her daughter’s 18th birthday party after the event was broadcast on Radio One.

Rebecca Brooks said car loads of revellers drove up their mile-long drive, stormed into their Georgian house and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Four bouncers hired by the family were unable to handle the boozy throng, and when the police were called they cleared the house with dogs, but were pelted with glass.

The fancy dress disco party at Colehayes Park was held on Friday night to celebrate Mrs Brooks’ daughter Sarah’s 18th.

There were 100 invited guests, but someone called Radio One DJ Pete Tong’s programme and asked to give a “shout out” about the party.

Mrs Brooks, 54, said someone called the BBC with details of the party.

“I blame the BBC for this,” she said.

The party at Colehayes Park at Bovey Tracey, on the edge of Dartmoor, began at about 7pm.

But then the gate-crashers began to arrive, said Mrs Brooks, adding: “It was terrifying, absolutely terrifying.

“They left a complete mess, with broken glass everywhere,” she said.

“Each room they went into they destroyed several things,” said Sarah’s father Bill, 75.

He said he dared not claim on his insurance because of the effect it would have on the premium.

Devon and Cornwall Police said some of those who left the party went on to the Coach Inn and the Thatch Inn. A number of people were arrested after problems were caused, but police were unable to say whether anyone had been charged.

A BBC spokesman said: “Pete did not specify the name or address of the venue, but read out details of a mansion party taking place in Bovey Tracey sent in by a listener.

“He gives shout-outs on his show every week and he would never knowingly give an identifiable address for a private party.”