Prince George, BC –  It was not trick-or-treaters, but a group of assailants armed with machetes, bats, and bear spray bursting into a home in Williams Lake last night…

RCMP Inspector Warren Brown says the Williams Lake Detachment received multiple calls shortly after 9pm by witnesses who saw the home invaders move in.

"Once inside the residence, they attempted to assault the residents – who were successful in securing themselves in a locked room," says Inspector Brown.  "The assailants completely ransacked the interior of the residence, using extreme violence."

When RCMP officers arrived on the scene, a foot pursuit ensued with several of the suspects.  The Detachment Commander says, "A hostile and uncooperative group of 12 people believed to be involved were arrested."

Brown says all of the suspects are well-known to police.  They remain in custody while the investigation continues. 

The victims of the home on Barnard Street did not suffer any injuries; however, damage was extensive to the home and three vehicles parked outside – one of which proved to be a stolen vehicle.

In a separate incident, Williams Lake officers were called to another residence in the city, this one on Pigeon Avenue, just after midnight for a fight in progress.  Three suspects were arrested after a foot chase.