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‘Blood-curdling’ screams heard from mass brawl at holiday park as ‘Christmas Day ruined’

A “mass fight” at a holiday park sparked a huge police response on Christmas Day, ruining the festivities for families on site.

Police dispatched a helicopter, armed officers, and a dog unit following reports of violence at Welcome Family Holiday Park in Dawlish Warren, Devon, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police could not reveal any specifics but claimed units remained at the scene throughout Christmas morning, DevonLive reports.

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Posts on social media suggest families were forced to leave the site and leave presents behind. There were also reports on social media of ‘mass fighting’, however, this has not been confirmed by the police.



Police, dog units and a police helicopter were all reportedly dispatched

Other reports said staff at the site were ‘very upset’, while others posted that their Christmas is ‘ruined’.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said yesterday: “There was significant disorder at the Welcome Family Holiday Park in Dawlish Warren during the early hours of December 25.

“Police are investigating a GBS [Grievous Bodily Harm] related to the disturbance. Police presence in the area will remain highly visible for the next 24 hours to respond to community concerns.”

Neighbours were reportedly left “shocked” and “appalled” by the events. One witness told DevonLive: “I noticed trouble brewing yesterday (Christmas Eve) afternoon when I walked to the local shop where the store assistant said lads had been in and out stealing. They were very intimidating.



Police have not confirmed the reports of ‘mass fighting’

“Some stolen items even fell out of one lad’s pockets in the shop – but he refused to pay for them. Unusually, I saw three police cars circling the area – this was about 4pm. You don’t normally see any police cars here.

“This time of year the place is usually very quiet. I saw one surly-faced yobbo repeatedly booting a full beer can down the street and he was joined by a group of rowdy-looking lads.

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“I had a feeling things might escalate. However, I can’t say it was the same group of people involved in trouble later, on Christmas Eve. But the police had clearly already been made aware there was a risk of something happening. What a pity events turned to violence, and innocent family holidaymakers have now had their Christmas ruined.

“The louts I saw in the afternoon seemed bent on trouble. I haven’t seen them in the area before. I hope whoever was responsible has been turned away from their accommodation – they deserve to have their festivities and enjoyment curtailed too.”

The Daily Star has contacted Welcome Family Holiday Park for comment.

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