One police officer was injured and four people were arrested after crowds threw bottles and set off fireworks on Edgware Road following the World Cup quarter final on July 9. The Leader of Westminster City Council has condemned the behaviour as 'completely unacceptable'.
Officer injured and arrests made
The officer was taken to hospital with head injuries after being hit by a glass bottle. Four individuals were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. The incident occurred after Morocco lost to France 2-0, sending France to the semi-final.
Crowds gathered on Edgware Road during and after the match, blocking traffic. Emergency services attended the scene. The road was reopened around 1am after the group dispersed.
Council leader condemns disorder
Councillor Paul Swaddle, Leader of Westminster City Council, said: 'I am deeply disturbed by scenes of crowd disorder on the Edgware Road circulating on social media after last night's World Cup results. It is completely unacceptable that Metropolitan Police officers appear to have been turned on by some groups and one officer injured as they were reportedly pelted with bottles. I condemn this behaviour and appeal to all fans to be respectful throughout the tournament.'
Police response and investigation
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'We will not tolerate such disorder on our streets, or attacks on our officers. A police presence will remain in the area overnight and we will be reviewing CCTV and video footage circulating on social media to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.'
Police were initially called to reports of a group blocking traffic. Further officers were dispatched as the situation escalated into bottle-throwing and fireworks.
