Lakes Entrance Police have expressed their disappointment at the behavior of New Year’ s Eve revellers who overstepped the line as 2020 came to a close.
Police were forced to use OC foam (pepper spray) on a group of six people who were engaged in a brawl in Myer Street at about 10.30pm.
The group, who comprised a mixture of locals and out-of-towners, were aged in their late teens and early 20s.
After being sprayed, the violence quelled with police saying alcohol was no doubt a factor in the brawl.
Police issued infringement notices for riotous behavior while a couple of young men were also arrested for being drunk in a public place.
An estimated 2500-4000 people converged on the CBD in Lakes Entrance, well down on previous years.
While there were no fireworks this year, the carnival set up on the foreshore attracted a steady stream of families up until 11pm when it ceased operations for the evening.
Police said the number of illegal fireworks discharged over the course of the evening was especially disappointing.
About a dozen illegal fireworks incidents took place across Lakes Entrance on public and private property.
Detectives are investigating the use of fireworks on the beach which ignited a fire in grasses on the waterfront.
The fire burnt out an area about 20 x 20 metres prompting the local fire brigade to race to the scene.
Police said the fire died down because of the high moisture content present, but expressed concern it could have been a very different scenario had conditions been dry and hot like last year.
Lakes Entrance Station Commander, Senior Sergeant Mel McLennan, blasted those who acted irresponsibly on New Year’s Eve.
“It was incredibly disappointing to have so many members of our community show a total lack of respect for their fellow community members, pets and neighbours,” Snr Sgt McLennan said.
“It is only but for the grace of God that no one was injured and no other property damaged,” she said.
Snr Sgt McLennan thanked the community, licensed premises and tourists who adhered to the recommendations and restrictions of the Chief Health Officer, especially given some rules only came into effect at 5pm on the day.