A promotional giveaway by a streetwear brand spiralled into chaos in Newcastle, with police deploying riot squad officers after hundreds of people flooded a skate park and surrounding streets.
The event, organised by Bad Apples, was held in Mayfield on Sunday and attracted a large crowd after the company advertised free merchandise and cash giveaways online.
A promise of free T-shirts and $5000 cash drew hundreds to a Newcastle skatepark – then chaos broke out. Full story: https://t.co/x4uP75A4YI pic.twitter.com/RNUKrTIKb4
— news.com.au (@newscomauHQ) June 15, 2026
According to promotional posts, the brand promised “300 free tees,” hundreds of additional items and at least $5,000 in cash for attendees.
Hundreds of people turned up to the event, with dozens arriving on trail bikes. Witnesses reported riders taking over roads and nearby parkland, performing dangerous manoeuvres and driving through crowds.
Several people were allegedly knocked over as trail bikes tore across grassed areas and public spaces, prompting concerns for public safety.
As the situation escalated, specialist police units, including riot squad officers, were called in to restore order. Officers used pepper spray to disperse sections of the crowd after tensions flared.
Footage from the scene showed large groups of young people gathering around the skate park while trail bikes and motorcycles moved through the area.
Police are now reviewing video footage and social media posts from the event and have warned that attendees involved in criminal behaviour could face arrest.
Authorities have not confirmed how many people were injured or whether charges have yet been laid, but investigations remain ongoing.
The incident has sparked debate over the organisation of social media-driven events and the challenges authorities face when large crowds gather with little notice.
