Four people have been arrested for violent disorder after a late-night gathering following France’s 2-0 World Cup quarter-final win over Morocco saw a police officer injured in central London.
Police were initially called after a group of people congregated on Edgware Road on Thursday evening and blocked traffic. The incident then “escalated with the group throwing bottles and setting off fireworks”, the Metropolitan Police said.
One officer was taken to hospital with head injuries after he was believed to have been hit by a glass bottle.
Paul Swaddle, leader of Westminster City Council, condemned the behaviour and appealed for World Cup fans “to be respectful throughout the tournament”.
Footage on social media appeared to show fireworks being set off as officers in riot gear attended the scene.
No other injuries were reported from the incident and the group dispersed, with the road re-opening from around 01:00 BST, the Met said.
“We will not tolerate such disorder on our streets, or attacks on our officers,” a spokesperson for the force added.
“We will be reviewing CCTV and video footage circulating on social media to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.”
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