Yobs rampage at hip-hop event

2:51pm Thursday 26th October 2006

EIGHT hundred teenagers were evacuated from an indoor hip-hop performance after yobs stormed the stage before setting off fireworks.

Around 24 police officers who were patrolling the Broadway Theatre, Catford, were mobilised to assist the venue's 18 security staff and 12 stewards evacuate shocked spectators from the building.

The incident happened at around 10pm on October 20 during a performance put on by Lewisham youth group, For REAL (Race Equality Action for Lewisham).

It was a hip-hop musical laid on by the group to give black and ethnic youths the chance to express themselves through music and dance.

General manager of the theatre Martin Costello, who was at the event, said around 50 black youths aged between 14 and 18 were behind the disturbance.

He said: "About 12 to 15 of them jumped on stage and interrupted a performance by a group called Demon.

"Other members of the group set off fireworks in the auditorium. They were promptly ejected from the building by our security team and police.

"Three fireworks were set off, making loud bangs which understandably distressed members of the audience who were expecting the worse. There were lots of screams."

As security staff and police evacuated the theatre, the drama spilled out onto the street and police arrested one person outside the venue who was involved in an argument with security staff.

A Met Police spokesman confirmed: "Lewisham Police, who were patrolling outside the venue, attended the Broadway Theatre in Catford shortly after 10pm on October 20.

"They were called upon by the theatre's security staff to assist in a disturbance and upon arrival were informed fireworks had been discharged.

"The theatre owners and security staff ordered an evacuation and police then entered the premises and assisted in the orderly evacuation of 800 people."

Mr Costello added: "Some of the microphones from the stage were taken as well. Luckily nobody was hurt and we were well prepared with police and security on hand."

Were you there? Do you have any more information about what happened on the night. Call the newsdesk on 01689 885711.