At least eight people have been arrested after bottles were thrown at police in Croydon.
Around 50 people gathered in North End Road this evening (August 7) where riots were expected to happen.
The Met said on Twitter than eight people have been arrested for assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons and other offences.
They said more arrests will follow.
Scotland Yard posted a video to X showing riot police with shields approaching the group.
Approximately 50 people have gathered in North End Road, Croydon. They’ve made clear their intention is to cause disruption & fuel disorder.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 7, 2024
They've dragged & thrown objects down the road & thrown bottles at officers. This is not linked to protest, this appears to be pure… pic.twitter.com/vgmOvtTDTh
They said that bottles have been thrown at officers in what appears to be "pure anti-social behaviour".
They tweeted: "Approximately 50 people have gathered in North End Road, Croydon. They’ve made clear their intention is to cause disruption & fuel disorder.
"They've dragged & thrown objects down the road & thrown bottles at officers.
"This is not linked to protest, this appears to be pure anti-social behaviour.
"Officers are moving in numbers to make arrests."
Eight people have been arrested for assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons and other offences.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 7, 2024
More arrests will follow, we will provide a full update shortly. pic.twitter.com/Q1rkpLmn06
More than 1,300 public order police officers were deployed across London today ahead of the speculation of riots this evening.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine had warned earlier: “We will not tolerate any disorder and will make arrests."
Police were using a range of specialist teams including mounted units, dog handlers, intelligence experts and evidence gatherers.
They were also using retrospective facial recognition to help officers identify those behind criminal disorder.
This technology can be used even when offenders are wearing masks.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: “No-one wants to be caught up in potentially violent and criminal behaviour."
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