Police investigate suspected planned fight involving 150 youths in Vaasa

Police in Finland are investigating a gathering of about 150 young people in Vaasa after receiving reports of a possible planned fight, Yle reported.

Police received information on Friday evening about a planned gathering in Purola, Vaasa. When officers arrived at the grounds of a daycare centre on September 25, they found an estimated 150 young people aged 13 to 17.

Officers ordered the group to leave. Based on current information, nobody was injured. Police are investigating whether a crime may have been committed, including how word of the planned event spread and what messages or calls to attend were circulated.

Police urged young people and their guardians to report plans for violence or messages encouraging it. Anyone who learns of a planned fight should tell a trusted adult promptly. Police also advised people not to go and watch a fight or share related messages, but to keep any messages or screenshots for officers.

Guardians can report concerns to police and, where appropriate, municipal youth services or the school. Police said preventing violence requires cooperation between young people, guardians, schools, youth workers and authorities.