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.
Some of the people seen in the footage appeared to be wearing Morocco football shirts or wrapped in the Moroccan flag.
During the last World Cup, Edgware Road was a popular spot for Morocco fans watching their team, who in 2022 became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals.
No other injuries were reported and the group dispersed, with the road reopening from about 01:00 BST on Friday, 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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