Officer ‘hit with glass bottle’ as London chaos erupts after Morocco World Cup exit
A police officer was injured and four people were arrested after disorder broke out in London following Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to France
Riot police have been deployed on Edgware Road following Morocco’s defeat(Image: X)
A Met Police officer was ‘struck by a glass bottle’ during mayhem in northwest London after Morocco’s World Cup exit.
The quarter-final encounter between Morocco and France witnessed the North African nation endure a 2-0 loss to one of the competition’s favourites.
Throughout and following the match, massive crowds gathered on Edgware Road, forcing emergency services to race to the scene.
Video footage spreading on social media shows violent clashes erupting between fans and officers patrolling the street.
The force has confirmed that one constable was rushed to hospital after being struck on the head with a glass bottle.
Clips recorded at half-time reveal fireworks and flares being ignited as supporters balanced on barriers while brandishing flags.
Police added they were forced to send additional officers after bottles started flying and fireworks were detonated.
The street was closed owing to the disorder created, before reopening at 1am.
Four individuals were arrested for violent disorder.
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. 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.”
