Arabic version: إغلاق مبكر لمعرض كيلمسكوت بعد شجارات بين شبان

According to ABC News, fighting between groups of youths forced the Kelmscott Agricultural Show into lockdown and an early closure on Saturday evening. Police were called to the event at Rushton Park on River Road in Kelmscott after dozens of youths tried to enter the venue.

The family event, which has operated for more than 100 years, features rides, showbags, log-chopping events and livestock exhibitions. Kelmscott Agricultural Society president Daryl Dawes said fights involving youths inside the showgrounds escalated during the day.

Mr Dawes said the show went into lockdown at about 5pm, after between 50 and 70 juveniles tried to enter. Gates were shut and physically padlocked until police were present to deal with the situation outside, he said.

Some juveniles moved between the River Road and Orlando Street entrances, looking for weak points and cutting fences and cable ties in an attempt to gain entry, Mr Dawes said. He said the society’s security team quickly ejected people who entered and that the crowd dispersed soon after police arrived.

Police said they received reports of a large group of juveniles causing a disturbance just after 4pm. No charges were laid, although one juvenile received a caution for disorderly behaviour. Mr Dawes described the incident as disappointing and said it was the first lockdown during his eight years as society president.