A police officer was punched and a squad car windscreen smashed after police were called to a “very loud” house party in Gorleston High Street.

Officers said they were faced with a “hostile” group when they arrived at the scene and their vehicles were attacked, with one car windscreen being smashed after an item was thrown through it.

Police were called just before 1.15am on Saturday by a member of the public who reported that there were more than 50 revellers at the party, and “very drunk” people in the street, falling into cars.

The caller also reported a strong smell of cannabis and said people were looking into vehicles, which sparked concerns about their behaviour.

It was noted there had been previous calls to the premises for anti-social behaviour.

Great Yarmouth’s public order unit was sent to the scene and officers used Pava incapacitant spray while dealing with the party, and also warned a taser may be used - but it was never deployed. One officer was punched during the incident and five people were arrested at the scene for public order offences.

All five were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and have now been bailed to return to police on June 19, pending further enquiries.

An 18-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and assaulting a police officer; an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old youth were also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour; a 21-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, resisting arrest and possession of cannabis; while the fifth - a 21-year-old man – was also arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

Following the incident the Mercury was contacted by a reader who claimed that the police had used “unnecessary violence” in dealing with the party. But a spokesman for the force said police will use the “necessary resources” to prevent crime.

The spokesman said: “This was not just a house party, this was disorderly behaviour on the street and police will deploy the necessary resources to maintain order and prevent crime.

“Where officers themselves come under attack while performing their job there are a range of options to ensure violent offenders can be safely detained, and these may be used where proportionate and necessary.”

Anyone who saw the incident, or anyone with information about the identities of those involved, is asked to call Sgt Ellie Scott at Gorleston on 101.