The Metropolitan police has launched an investigation following several outbreaks of disorder during Eid celebrations in West London.
Police came under attack from groups of youths in Southall, in the borough of Ealing, who threw bottles and other missiles at them.
Some police officers were forced to put on riot gear to deal with the worst of the clashes.
Video of the disorder shows officers being pelted with sticks, bottles, and other objects.
Police clashed with youths that were throwing bottles and piles of rubbish at them
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Many of those officers appeared to be caught out by the sudden escalation of the disorder, and had no time to put on protective equipment.
The images show groups of officers, most wearing soft caps, grouped together in a defensive position, as multiple objects are thrown towards them.
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, in charge of policing in Ealing Borough, confirmed that officers would now examine last night’s events with a view to identifying individuals involved.
The Chief Superintendent said his officers were in Southall to ensure the annual Eid celebrations passed off safely.
“Our neighbourhood officers worked with organisers on how this event could go ahead peacefully.” He said.
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Many of those officers appeared to be caught out by the sudden escalation of the disorder, and had no time to put on protective equipment
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“However, sadly, before midnight a small number of young people – who we do not believe to be from the area – became involved in sporadic anti-social behaviour, including climbing onto bus stops.
“As officers attempted to speak to these people about their safety, they were surrounded by a crowd, again many of whom were not from Southall, before items, including bottles, were thrown towards them.
“Fortunately, neither members of the public, nor the officers were injured.”
Scotland Yard has confirmed that a 15 year old boy was arrested for a public order offence.
Chief Superintendent Wilson said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we will be reviewing what happened to establish what action can now be taken.”
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Rory Geoghegan, founder of the Public Safety Foundation took to social media and said: “Thoughts with the men and women on the frontline in Southall doing their best to restore order.
“The truth is that they are poorly equipped for the task they face and lack confidence in the institutions that will repeatedly pore over their every act in unforgiving microscopic detail.”
He added: “Concerning that there seems to be a total black-out from @MetPoliceUK and local politicians in relation to Southall.
“Where is the condemnation? Where is the commitment to apprehend those involved? Where is the support for the frontline?”
