Police officer in hospital after Morocco fan disorder in London following World Cup defeat
A police officer was injured following violent disorder in west London following Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.
Police said four people were arrested after a crowd set off fireworks and threw debris at officers in Edgware Road on Thursday night.
Videos showed fans clashing with dozens of fully equipped police officers as chaos spread across the road. An officer was taken to hospital with head injuries after being struck with an object believed to be a glass bottle, the Metropolitan Police said.
The force said the violence broke out after Morocco began blocking a road in north-west London following its 2-0 defeat to France in a high-stakes World Cup match.
They added that the incident then “escalated” as rioters began throwing bottles at police and setting off fireworks, and more officers were deployed to the area.
On Friday morning, a force spokesman said police would “not tolerate” attacks on officers and would review CCTV to “bring those responsible to justice”.
No other injuries were reported.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “A police officer was injured and four people were arrested following disturbances on Edgware Road.
“Police teams were first called after a group of people gathered on the road and blocked traffic. Later, the incident escalated as the group threw bottles and fireworks. Thereupon, more police were dispatched to the area.
“One officer was taken to hospital with a head injury. It is believed he was struck with a glass bottle. No other injuries were reported. Officers remained in the area and arrested four people for violent disturbances, the group dispersed and the road reopened at around 1am.
“We will not tolerate this type of disorder on our streets or attacks on our officers. We will review CCTV and video footage circulating on social media to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.”
