As the chaos escalated bottles were thrown and fireworks let off
A police officer has been rushed to hospital with head injuries after being ‘hit by a glass bottle’ after chaos erupted in north London following Morocco’s quarter final defeat.
The Metropolitan Police were deployed to the area as fans congregated in the road and blocked traffic as the World Cup game took place.
The force confirmed that bottles were thrown in the crowds and fireworks were set off.
Videos circulating online show smoke fill the streets as the explosives were lit, with groups appearing to run away.
As the carnage continued police officers formed a line to block the rioters and closed the road.
The road reopened at around 1am on Friday morning after four people 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 around1am. “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.”
