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Police called to Santa rumble
By Daily Mail Last updated at 00:00am on 10.12.04
Come on boys, he went this way
Police called to a mass brawl found an army of Santas punching and kicking each other.
Officers had to use batons and CS spray to quell the fight in the centre of Newtown, Powys.
Four were hurt and there were five arrests.
The battle of the Santas followed a 21/2-mile charity run involving more than 4,000 people dressed as Father Christmas. Some of them are believed to have overindulged in alcohol after crossing the finishing line.
The fun run is expected to benefit up to 200 charities and it is hoped that it will exceed last year's total raised of £80,000.
Organisers believe they have broken their own world record for having the most number of Santas in the same place. Last year a mere 3,200 took part.
PC Gareth Slaymaker, community safety officer for North Powys, said: ' Behaviour like this justifies the reluctance by the police to
extend the licensing hours for public houses and bars for this type of event'.
