Police fired tear gas to break up a riot that began at a concert showcasing British punk bands in California this weekend. The event, British Invasion 2K6, was taking place at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino - among the bands due to appear in the 22 act line up were Goldblade, Antidote, GBH and the Adicts.
Unrest seems to have begun when police arrived to investigate reports of a stabbing at the event. In their efforts to locate the stabbing victim police had run ins with various music fans in the crowd, so much so they felt they needed to retreat from the venue and call for reinforcements. Police then reentered the building to rescue both the stabbing victim and another gig-goer injured in a fight, and that is when rioting began, with some of the 1500 crowd pelting police with rocks and bottles.
After a second retreat, police eventually brought the crowd under control, but not before rioting had occurred in surrounding streets, leading to the vandalism of two police cars and various local businesses. Police say the two wounded people were recovered and taken to a local hospital in a serious condition.
Organisers of the event are yet to comment on the incident, although some of those in attendance have accused the police of causing the trouble by using heavy handed tactics. Though my favourite comment on the LA Times message board on the incident is this one: "The riot was absolutely insane - I know some people were upset about missing the Adicts, GBH and Vice Squad - but this was such an amazing experience". And they say the punk attitude is dead.