POLICE responded to incidents of disorderly behaviour on early Sunday morning as about 120 graduating Marist College students – some reported to be intoxicated and aggressive –  created traffic hazards as they walked from Civic to the school campus in Pearce.

Three young men were arrested and police vehicles were hit by rocks and officers abused by members of the crowd.

Around 2am police received reports of students congregating in the Pitts car park, Civic, before walking southbound along Commonwealth Avenue to Pearce.

Police received several calls from members of the public reporting that the crowd was disrupting traffic flow in the vicinity of Capital Circle by walking and running on to the roadway to stop traffic.

Ten general duties patrols attended and escorted the group, but were forced on several occasions to block traffic along Adelaide Avenue and Melrose Drive to ensure the safety of individuals marching, many of whom were intoxicated and displaying aggressive behaviour.

Upon arrival at Marist College, students were asked to move on and the crowd dispersed within 15 minutes.

Acting Superintendent Jo Cameron said the prime objective of police during the walk was to keep the crowd moving towards Marist College while minimising disruption to traffic and preventing injury to pedestrians.

“As we pointed out in our recent stand up on school formals, police are not against students having a good time but if things get out of hand action will be taken,” she said.

“We encourage everyone to go out and have a good time but police along with the community will in no way tolerate anti-social behaviour that could put themselves and other lives at risk.”