Two officers have been injured as police were called to shut down an illegal rave in London before being pelted with bottles. You can watch footage from the scene below:
Police received numerous calls after 11pm on Friday in relation to a rave in Woodberry Down Estate in Hackney, with residents complaining of noise and anti-social behaviour.
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Upon the arrival of police, crowds became hostile and riot police were called in to help disperse the gathering. As footage from the scene shows, the crowd only became more violent, with bottles, canisters and a bicycle thrown at police.
Two officers were injured, with one taken to hospital with bruised ribs and another completing their shift with an injured leg.
An 18-year-old man was arrested for violent disorder and obstruction, and a 19-year-old man was arrested for obstruction.
The area was cleared by around 4am on Saturday.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D'Orsi said: "Officers responded to calls from residents concerned about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence. The violence and disorder they encountered is totally unacceptable, as is the fear I am sure this generates amongst the local community, who called the police for help.
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"In this case the irresponsible actions of the organiser led to injuries to our officers. Under no circumstance will policing accept this particularly after we had appealed for such events not to take place.
"We have seen an increase in unlicensed music events which, as well as being very disruptive to communities and irresponsible in terms of posing an increased risk of Covid-19 transmission, they have in some cases led to violence which affects both those attending and the officers who have to shut them down - as well as causing fear and anxiousness in local communities who we help and protect."
She continued: "We are already reviewing CCTV footage and officers' body worn footage to bring those who committed offences to justice.
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"Officers will continue to patrol this weekend in increased numbers to keep communities safe. They will be engaging with local communities but will also be using tactics such as stop and search. Those who go to unlicensed music events are putting themselves, their families and their communities at risk. I urge anyone considering attending an event like this to re-think their plans.
"Officers will be out across London, closing these events down, and they will arrest anyone suspected of criminal offences."
Anyone who can assist the investigation by providing images and video is asked to call 101 and use reference number 'CAD 322/18 Jul'.
Topics: Police, UK News, crime