NationStates Jolt Archive

Festive cheer and goodwill was in short supply in Newtown when people dressed as Santa were involved in a mass street brawl, say police.

Officers used CS spray and batons to break up trouble amongst up to 30 people, following Newtown's annual charity Santa run.

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates, who took part in the run, denied claims that it was turning into a beer festival.

"There's no way people can link the Santa run to the drunkenness and violence that ensued after the race," he said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/4081415.stm

:rolleyes:

hey, I was there running as a santa. The general spirit of the thing was great, with people turning out from all over. hell, my local MP was there in a santa suit running. Its a shame that a few people had to ruin it. (30 may sound a lot but out of 4,500 it ain't that large)

I had a few drinks afterwards, as I'd earned after running 4.5 miles with a full santa costume, beard and hat, but I drank responsibly and was long gone by the time this stuff started. To be fair, it was always possible that there'd be trouble; there were perhaps a disproportionate amount of police on the streets, creating tension.

On the whole though, it was a really good day that raised loads for charity, and I hope that the next santa run will be as fun as this one.

When will Britain confront the red menace on our streets. *sniff* Wont somebody please think of the children!

Very strange...