A Metropolitan Police officer was taken to hospital with head injuries after being struck by a glass bottle during violent disorder on Edgware Road, north London, following Morocco's quarterfinal defeat in the World Cup. Four people have been arrested for violent disorder, and the road was reopened at around 1am on Friday after police dispersed the crowds.
Chaos erupts after Morocco's quarterfinal exit
The disorder broke out after Morocco's loss in the World Cup quarterfinal, as fans congregated on Edgware Road, blocking traffic. The situation escalated with bottles being thrown and fireworks let off, prompting the deployment of riot police. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke filling the streets as fireworks were ignited, with groups running away.
Police response and arrests
Officers formed a line to block the rioters and closed the road. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “One officer has been injured, and four people have been arrested following disorder in Edgware Road. Officers were initially called after a group of people congregated in the road and blocked traffic. The incident then escalated with the group throwing bottles and setting off fireworks. As a result, further officers were deployed to the area. One officer was taken to hospital for head injuries, it is believed he had been hit by a glass bottle. No other injuries were reported. Officers remained in the area and made four arrests for violent disorder, with the group dispersing and the road re-opened from around 1am. 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.”
Ongoing investigation
The Met Police confirmed that a police presence will remain in the area overnight, and they will review CCTV and social media footage to identify all those responsible. The force emphasized that such disorder and attacks on officers will not be tolerated.
