10 people have been arrested after objects including bottles were thrown at police in Croydon.

Around 50 people gathered in North End Road at around 8pm yesterday (August 8) where riots were expected to happen.

Officers say the disruption was “not linked to protest” and that it appeared to be “pure anti-social behaviour”.

Police arrested 10 people in Croydon, one suspicion of assault on an emergency worker, four for allegedly breaching a Section 35 dispersal order, one for reportedly going equipped for arson and four on suspicion of violent disorder.

It comes after rumours began circulating on social media that groups were planning to hold demonstrations across the UK.

More than 100 areas across the UK were put on high alert with thousands of officers on standby due to possible rioting.

Violent scenes have also played out nationwide over the week, after three young girls were killed in a stabbing in Southport on July 29.

False claims were spread online that the perpetrator was an asylum seeker, but the violence continued even after the lies were proven to be untrue.

Police have been injured, shop windows smashed and hotels housing asylum seekers targeted.

Croydon Council had initially denied any protest activity, but urged people to remain “alert and vigilant” and to report any issues to the police.

In a joint statement, party leaders of Croydon Council, Mayor Jason Perry, Councillors Stuart King, Claire Bonham and Esther Sutton, said while it respects the right of peaceful protest, it will “not stand by and allow violence, intimidation or any other form of criminal behaviour”.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said more than 1,000 officers were deployed across London, ready to protect communities from “hateful, divisive and violent behaviour.”

She explained: “The majority of people engaged with officers and complied with conditions.

“These events passed without major incident or disruption.

“However, officers did face anti-social behaviour from a small group in Croydon who were not related to any protest, but were intent on causing trouble.

"Our top priority has been to keep our communities safe, prevent significant disorder and swiftly deal with any offenders.

“A number of arrests were made across the city this evening.

“We used a range of powers as part of our policing operation in order to keep people safe.

“This included the use of Section 60 and 60AA powers across various locations, giving officers extra powers to stop and search people and request the removal of face coverings.

“As a result, officers seized a number of weapons.

"I want to thank our communities for coming together across the capital and for showing community spirit this evening.

“I would also like to thank the committed officers who have been working hard to police London today, serving their communities and keeping people safe.”

Elsewhere in London, four people were arrested in Waltham Forest and one person was arrested in Hounslow.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said on X (formally known as Twitter):”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.”