7 arrested after high school basketball game brawls

HAVERHILL, Mass. (AP) - Bad blood between two Massachusetts high schools resulted in several brawls and seven arrests following a basketball game this week.

The students from Haverhill and Methuen high schools between the ages of 16 and 18 were arraigned Wednesday following their arrest Tuesday. Five are from Methuen and two from Haverhill.

Haverhill police say about 200 unruly students gathered outside after Tuesday's game and several brawls broke out, despite an extra police presence.

Police tell The Eagle-Tribune they knew there could be trouble, because a fight between students during a hockey game last weekend was followed by several days of online taunts and threats.

Most students arrested were charged with disorderly conduct and admitted to a youth diversion program. One Haverhill girl was charged with assault for kicking a Methuen girl.

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Information from: Eagle Tribune (North Andover, Mass.), http://www.eagletribune.com