Police officer injured in mass street brawl after Eid party in Ilford

Police officer injured in mass street brawl after force called to break up 200-strong Eid street party in Ilford

  • Police were called to Ilford at 11.30pm on Thursday to reports of a street party
  • Officers asked the 200-strong crowd to disperse and many agreed immediately
  • Two groups began fighting with each other and a police officer was injured 
  • One man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer  

A police officer was injured as he tried to break up a 200-strong street party in east London of people celebrating Eid. 

The incident happened shortly before midnight on Friday in Ilford. 

The Metropolitan Police received numerous calls from the public about the large group of people gathered on the street ahead of the religious festival. 

Officers approached people in the crowd and urged them to go home, however, as the people dispersed a fight broke out. 

A group of 200 people gathered in Ilford, London ahead of this weekend’s Eid celebrations 

Police asked the group to disperse after arriving at the scene around 11.30pm Thursday

Police asked the group to disperse after arriving at the scene around 11.30pm Thursday 

Police rushed to break up the fight between the two groups and one officer suffered a head injury. 

One man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and assaulting an emergency worker. 

Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman of the Met’s East Area Command said: ‘While we accept that celebrations take place, and we have no desire to spoil them for the community, if they descend into violence we absolutely will step in.

‘A number of calls were received last night from concerned members of the public and while we appreciate this is a time of excitement and celebration for some, the sight and sound of such a large group was concerning and even distressing for others.

‘That this size of gathering has taken place during a pandemic is concerning. I remind all of our communities to respect each other and ensure that the government guidelines around social distancing are followed.

‘Following a work day of protecting the public, one of my officers has had to return home to his family with a head injury. This is beyond unacceptable and I would like to be very clear that anyone assaulting an officer in the course of his or her duty will be arrested and placed before the courts.’ 

Scotland Yard confirmed the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards has been notified and will review body worn cameras. 

One man was arrested after two groups of people started fighting leading to one arrest

One man was arrested after two groups of people started fighting leading to one arrest 

A man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer

A man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer