It was just a simple party, held to celebrate the conclusion of year-end exams. Sure, the teenage host’s parents were away and the invited guests probably weren’t planning on cucumber sandwiches and polite conversation, but what could possibly go wrong?

Well, as UK newspapers told us this week, quite a lot. The latest example of party turned into mini-riot was held at a fancy-looking house in the South East of England. And, in what is becoming the time-honoured fashion, details of the event were posted on Facebook.

With the word out, dozens of would-be partygoers descended on the family home, prompting calls to the police, officers and dog-handlers being dispatched and even a police helicopter being scrambled. It all got out of hand and one officer was hurt.

Now, on the one hand, it is difficult to sympathise with any host who advertises their party on the internet. But on the other, this lad said it had been a private invitation and that he’d had no idea what would unfold.

The end-of-term party hijacked by people who use Facebook and other social media is rapidly becoming a staple summer story. But we at TES Towers want 16-year-olds to be able to play Spin the Bottle in peace. So, gatecrashers, to the naughty step with you. And stop spoiling everyone else’s fun.