Radio 1 blamed for house party chaos

A homeowner has blamed Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong for causing an 18th birthday party to be gatecrashed by 2,000 people.

The DJ gave a shout out to the party - which took place in Bovey Tracey, Devon, on Friday - reading out the following message on air: "We're getting ready for a huge mansion party, 500 plus people going, it's in Bovey.

Tong added: "Tracey in Devon is tipping us off on that, anyone who's listening can come along, apparently, just say 'hi' to Marilyn Monroe on the door."

Speaking to BBC News, the mansion's owner Rebecca Brooks said: "I blame the BBC for this. We are considering our options. It was terrifying, absolutely terrifying. The droves of people coming towards the house was frightening, it looked like we had a rock festival here.

"They left a complete mess, with broken glass everywhere and pictures off the wall and broken - it was a rave situation."

A BBC spokesperson added: "Pete [Tong] did not specify the name or address of the venue, but read out details of a mansion party taking place in Bovey Tracey sent in by a listener.

"He gives shout outs on his show every week, listeners are familiar with this format, and he would never knowingly give an identifiable address for a private party."

Police cleared the property using dogs but the revellers had already caused thousands of pounds' worth of damage.