Four people were sent to hospital with stab wounds after a St. Patrick's Day house party got out of control near McMaster University, Hamilton police say.

Officers were first called in to a home on Aylett Street in the city's west end around 10:30 p.m., Const. Steve Welton told CBC Hamilton. Police found a "large disturbance" with people panicking after a stabbing at a house party.

"When we got there, people were fleeing the area," Welton said. Four people were sent to hospital with non-life threatening stab wounds. They were all men from age 18 to 23. One of the men was a college student, and another was a university student.

Welton couldn't say exactly what led to the stabbing. "However, alcohol is likely a factor in this incident," he said.

Two men, who are also students, were arrested. A 21-year-old Toronto man was charged with assault with a weapon, and a 19-year-old man was charged with assault with a weapon and breach of probation.

Both are expected to appear in court Wednesday.

Police are still looking to speak with witnesses who saw what happened. Anyone with information is asked to call 905-546-3816.