A police officer has injured following violent disorder in west London after Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.
Four people have been arrested after crowds set off fireworks and threw debris at officers in Edgware Road on Thursday night, police said.
Videos show fans clashing with dozens of police officers in full riot gear as disorder spilled into the road. The Metropolitan Police said one officer had been taken to hospital with head injuries after he was hit with what is believed to be a glass bottle.
The force said the violence broke out after crowds began to block a road in north west London following Morocco’s 2-0 loss to France in their high-stakes World Cup game.
They added the incident then “escalated” as rioters began to throw bottles at police and set off fireworks, with more officers deployed to the area.
On Friday morning, a force spokesperson said police “will not tolerate” attacks on officers and that they would be reviewing CCTV to “bring those responsible to justice”.
No other injuries were reported.
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 01:00hrs.
“We will not tolerate such disorder on our streets, or attacks on our officers. We will be reviewing CCTV and video footage circulating on social media to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.”
