LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- London 's subway system was engulfed by thousands of revelers Saturday night , marking the introduction of an alcohol ban on the mass transit network . Revelers hit London 's subway system Saturday night to mark the introduction of an alcohol ban . Eyewitnesses have described how some drunken partygoers , often dressed in fancy dress , fought , damaged subway trains and vomited . Authorities were forced to close six stations on the network , including major transportation hubs at Liverpool Street , Baker Street and Euston . A spokesman for British Transport Police , which patrols the network , said that police had been told of a large `` large amount '' of disorder and `` multiple instances of trains being damaged '' , causing them to be pulled from service , the UK 's Press Association reported , adding : `` This was an unfortunate end to what should have been a fun event . '' There were reports of at least 17 arrests . Much of the disorder concentrated on the Circle Line , which encircles the center of the city . Many reports say that the night had begun good-naturedly . Web programmer , David Mudkips , 25 , from east London , told PA that the event was `` Like rush hour but fun . There were people 's sweaty armpits in my face but I did n't care because I was drinking . '' Student Frankie Abbott , 21 , also from east London , said earlier in the evening : `` It might be fun to do the whole night but I think it 's going to get a bit messy . There are guys drinking from funnels already . '' Sailor Peter Moore , 35 , from Brighton on the southern English coast , told the agency his night was `` Drunken , I just downed a can of beer in 10 seconds . It 's sweaty on there but I 'm going round and round until I vomit . '' As the evening progressed the situation deteriorated . Photographer Desmond Fitzgerald , 48 , from south London , told PA that by 11pm at Gloucester Road subway station he was afraid someone might slip onto the tracks due to the amount of spilt alcohol on the platform . `` At first the atmosphere was happy but anarchic , defiant , '' he said , with people wearing hats and having a good time . As the journey progressed , more heavily drunk people joined the train , he added . `` Then a fight broke out between about five people , but because we were so tightly packed in it soon spread throughout the carriage and I had to struggle to escape to the next one , '' he told PA. `` The atmosphere had really changed by this point . People were ripping off adverts and maps and being sick all over the place . `` When it pulled in to Embankment people fell out and carried on fighting on the platform . Thankfully police were there , and they handled it very well . '' Many of those gathered had learnt of the party on social networking Web sites , through groups with names such as `` Circle Line Party - Last day of drinking on the tube '' , which had 850-plus members listed by Saturday lunchtime , and `` Party/Flashmob on the Underground '' , with 1,300-plus names listed . The anti-drinking strategy was introduced by newly elected London mayor Boris Johnson . He said before the party occurred : `` I 'm determined to improve the safety and security of public transport in London and create a better environment for the millions of Londoners who rely on it . The ban has the full support of the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police . `` I firmly believe that banning the drinking of alcohol on London 's public transport will create a better traveling environment for all Londoners and that if we drive out antisocial behavior and so called minor crime then we will be able to get a firm grip on more serious crime . '' But Bob Crow , General Secretary of the Rail Maritime and Transport Union of which many subway staff are members , countered that the ban put workers at greater risk of of attack , reported PA , saying it was `` half-baked . ''
Revelers mark alcohol ban on London subway system , cause chaos . Police say at least 17 arrests , subways stations shut as thousands gather . Many had learnt of the event through social networking Web sites . London mayor says he introduced alcohol ban for better traveling environment .