Police called to Hayes street as crowds gather for Halloween party at short-let house
Locals say more than 150 people turned up to a party at a property on Dallas Terrace that had reportedly been booked for two guests. Police have not yet confirmed what action they took.
Several police cars and officers were seen in a residential street in Hayes on Halloween night after large crowds gathered for a party at a house that locals say is let out as an Airbnb.
Footage shared with UB1UB2 shows groups of people filling Dallas Terrace, a quiet residential road in Hayes, UB3, and standing on driveways on the evening of Saturday 31 October. Police vehicles and officers can be seen in the street.
Locals said the house at the end of the road is a short-term holiday let that had been booked for two people. They estimated that more than 150 people arrived for a Halloween party, and some put the number at more than 200. These figures have not been confirmed by police.
What is and isn't known
The Metropolitan Police has not publicly confirmed why officers were called, what they did at the scene, or whether anyone was arrested. It has also not said whether anyone was hurt or whether any property was damaged.
It has not been confirmed who made the booking or how the party was organised. Airbnb has not commented on the property.
Footage from the night shows a crowd in the street and outside the property. Many of those in it appear to be young people, some of them in Halloween costumes.
Short-let parties and the rules
Airbnb brought in a ban on parties and events at properties listed on its platform in 2020. It made the ban permanent in 2022, and its rules bar gatherings that go over a property's stated maximum number of guests.
The company has said that reports of parties in the UK fell after the ban came in. Over recent Halloween weekends it has also used booking checks meant to stop people booking whole homes for parties.
Even so, parties at short-let properties that get out of hand are still a cause for concern in London and elsewhere. Police have been called to break up such gatherings in several cities around Halloween in recent years.
In London, residents worried about noise or antisocial behaviour at a neighbouring property can report it to their local council. In Hayes, that is Hillingdon Council. They can also contact the police if there is a risk to safety.
Contacting the police
Anyone who saw what happened on Dallas Terrace on Saturday evening, or has information about it, can contact the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.