Police Officers Injured Breaking Up Unlicensed White City Music Event


Crowd became hostile and threw bricks and other missiles


Police pull back under hail of missiles. Picture: Twitter

A major confrontation occurred between police officers and a crowd of people in White City this Friday evening (3 July).

The police were attempting to disperse a large group who had gathered for an unlicensed music event in Havelock Close after complaints from residents.

Officers attempted to engage the crowd in order to get them to leave but the group became hostile. A number of items were thrown at police, who retreated in order to regroup.

Shortly after, specially trained public order officers entered the estate to disperse the group. They were met with further hostility and violence during which at least seven police officers were injured.

A Dispersal Zone has been authorised under s35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 and a s60 order is now in place.

DAC Laurence Taylor said: “Officers have responded to residents complaining about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence.

“These gatherings are illegal and also pose a risk to public health.

“The violence shown towards officers this evening was totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it in any form. Officers encountered bricks and other missiles being thrown at them. Our robust police response demonstrated that we will police incidents like these firmly and stop those intent on causing harm or disruption to our communities.”

July 4, 2020