Four policemen and three civilians were hospitalised with injuries following a clash during a celebration at a residence on Nawa Nagara Road in Embilipitiya last night. 

One of the injured persons is in critical condition and he has been transferred to the Colombo National Hospital, deputy director of the Embilipitiya Hospital B.R.S.W. Peramuna said. 

It has been reported that two policemen had asked for liquor from the homeowners after the start of the house party and the ensuing argument between villagers and the police officers had escalated into fisticuffs. 

Afterwards another group of police officers had arrived at the scene resulting in further clashes with attendees of the event and ending with several individuals from both groups being hospitalised.

A nearby home was also damaged from the incident while blood stains were seen at several locations in that house, Ada Derana reporter said. 

The Police Spokesman’s Office said that policemen patrol duty were dispatched to a residence located near a private bank in Embilipitiya after being notified regarding a clash during a party.

The residents had attacked the police officers who were attempting to mediate and resolve the dispute and this had caused the clash to escalate, police said.

Five suspects have been arrested for obstructing police duties, the Polcie Spokesman’s Office said. 

Embilipitiya Police is conducting an investigation into the incident which had occurred at around midnight yesterday.