SWAT staff swarms ‘severe incident’ a mile from England’s World Cup 2026 venue
Dozens of police vehicles were spotted on West Division Street in Arlington, Texas, less than a mile from AT&T Stadium where England face Croatia in their opening World Cup 2026 fixture
Arlington Police responded to an incident just over a mile from where England launch their World Cup campaign(Image: James Manning/PA Wire)
A Swat team and a massive deployment of armed police have responded to an incident just over a mile from where England launch their World Cup campaign.
Dozens of Arlington Police vehicles could be spotted positioned on West Division Street in the Texas city on Monday, a brief journey from the AT&T Stadium where the Three Lions face Croatia in two days’ time. An officer at the scene characterised the alleged incident as “pretty serious”, with a weapon wielded by a suspect.
Police marksmen, an armoured BearCat vehicle and police drones were deployed at the scene, with a substantial number of officers dispatched to the area. A spokesperson for the Arlington Police Department said the force were responding to a domestic disturbance between a male and female at their home address.
She added: “The female resident was barricaded inside the home with additional occupants.
“The report shows that a weapon was produced but no injuries were reported. The suspect is now in custody and the investigation is ongoing.”
There is no suggestion the incident was linked to the World Cup or posed any threat to the tournament or its venues.
Meanwhile, violent scenes have broken out near the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa. Online footage appears to show disorder erupting in the vicinity of Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The tournament’s inaugural match, staged at the renowned Estadio Azteca, was marred by scenes of turmoil as large crowds allegedly congregated near Gate 8. Eyewitness video clips circulating on the internet seem to show groups of demonstrators hurling objects, including what are thought to be Molotov cocktails, towards police lines as officers endeavoured to control the situation.
The match itself, forming part of the opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup, was ongoing inside the stadium during the disturbances, although there were worries about access routes and spectator safety around the venue.
Officials have yet to confirm the extent of any injuries or arrests, and no official statement has been issued regarding whether the unrest has affected entry to the stadium or the scheduling of the match.
But reports on the ground suggest armed riot police charged protestors Rioters hurled bananas, bunches of orange flowers, rocks and Molotov cocktails at mounted police.
Flames erupted close to police horses. After one ugly clash a policewoman with a bleeding gash to her head appeared seriously wounded. Security guards blasted fire extinguishers at some protesters.
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