Youths face charges for plot to turn picturesque US beach town into riotous crime-fuelled 'free-for-all'

A group of US university students are facing charges after allegedly plotting to turn a picturesque American beach town into a riotous crime-fuelled "free-for-all".

According to local police, a mob of feral youths stormed Rehoboth Beach in Delaware on Tuesday after an unauthorised "takeover" was advertised on social media.

Officers from Rehoboth Beach Police Department made multiple arrests on the beach after a number of participants in the takeover were said to have been underage drinking and taken illicit substances.

Now students 19-year-old Xander Nicholl, 21-year-old Angelin Clauvil, 21-year-old Eric Barnett and 22-year-old Keyon Scott have all been charged in relation to organising the chaotic scenes.

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All four are believed to be students at Delaware State University.

A spokesman for the university said in a statement to Fox News: "The university is aware of the matter involving individuals identified by the Rehoboth Beach Police Department.

"As this is an active law enforcement matter unrelated to University operations, we will refer all questions to the Rehoboth Beach Police Department and decline further comment at this time."

Meanwhile, a police department spokesman confirmed that "an increased officer presence was on scene for the early hours" on Tuesday.

They added: "As the event grew, additional resources from the area.

"Police responded to growing concerns over the safety of people and property."

However, it is not the first time students have been accused of plotting a takeover at the picturesque beach, with more than four unlawful gatherings taking place there in the past month.

Lieutenant Mark Sweet from the Rehoboth Beach Police Department insisted there is currently "no known danger to the public", adding that officers will "continue to monitor future events to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, business owners, employees, and their property".

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He added: "We will take the necessary actions to keep the peace and good order of the City of Rehoboth Beach so that all may enjoy everything the City has to offer."

Three of the suspects have turned themselves into the authorities - with one, Mr Barnett, still at large.

However, police say there is no active manhunt for the 21-year-old at this time.

Rehoboth Beach City Manager Taylour Tedder hailed officers for their "professionalism and strong response" to the takeover.

In a statement, he said: "We are extremely proud of our police department and grateful for their ongoing commitment to keeping Rehoboth Beach safe - not just on Tuesday, but every day."

The beach manager added that the iconic Delaware beach will remain "safe and open for business" for Memorial Day Weekend and throughout the year.

The trend of social media-fuelled teen takeovers has wreaked havoc in multiple US cities in recent months, including in Chicago and Washington DC.

A senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation, Zack Smith, warned Fox News that chaotic scenes may ramp up as the summer draws in.

"I think anyone who has looked at crime data and some kind of criminological studies recognized that that will increase and I think that is something that the city should be very worried about", he said.

Across the pond, Britain has seen similar scenes, with hoards of balaclava-clad youngsters running riot in Clapham back in March.

The incident led the arrest of six teenagers, after five people - including four officers - were assaulted in the mayhem.

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