POLICE made three arrests after an event booked as a supervised young people's birthday party turned into a mini-rave at the Kennet Valley Hall, Lockeridge.

Officers visited the scene of Friday's party three times and, on one occassion, found two home-made pipes used for smoking drugs and seized a quantity of cannabis.

Sgt Martyn Sweett, of Marlborough police, said three people aged 19 and under were arrested and further arrests could be expected as police inquiries continue.

A 19-year old arrested by Sgt Sweett was found in possession of herbal material, believed to be cannabis, and an offensive weapon. He was freed after accepting a caution.

Sgt Sweett said the hall had been booked for a junior birthday party and the hall committee had been told there would be adult supervision. Under the booking conditions admission was supposed to be free, but police found that £2 was being charged.

Officers were initially called at about 8.30pm when villagers complained there had been threatening comments made to them by some youths attending the party.

At 10.30pm police returned following complaints from girls at the party that their handbags had been rifled and cash and a mobile telephone stolen.

Two youths were arrested. The 19-year-old, who was outside in the car park, was arrested at the same time.

Sgt Sweett said the adult supervision turned out to be an 18-year-old youth and it was evident that alcohol and drugs had been consumed at the party.

Police returned in the early hours of the morning and found a fire door had been left unlocked. Sgt Sweett said: "The building reeked of cannabis."

Sgt Sweett said he had spoken to the headteacher at St John's School to express his concern that its students had been at the event.

Steven Seymour, hall committee chairman, said: "It (the hall) was let in good faith to a parent who hired it for a birthday party. It's unfortunate there were some people who took advantage of the good nature of the hirer."