(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-12-24 15:54

A gang of about 50 drunken Santa Clauses raided a New Zealand cinema complex on Dec 22, the cinema's manager said.

A man dressed in Santa Clause Suit is drinking. [File Photo]

The crowd, thought to be students dressed in Santa suits, ran into the Hoyts cinema in the CBD of the South Island city of Christchurch on Saturday afternoon.

They frightened customers, damaged property and swore all the way, did a lightning 20-second raid on the cinema in the, manager Derek Rive said.

They wrecked everything they could, abusing patrons, chanting obscenities, ripping down posters and knocking over cardboard figures advertising films, said the manager.

"At least 50 drunk idiots dressed up like Santa came in through the main door," said a 35 year old woman who was waiting to see the movie with her two children.

"They were all dressed as Santa and shouting 'ho f*****g ho'," said Kate Gorman.

The cinema was evacuated for 30 minites while the gang was dealt with.