Violence flares as revellers clash with riot police trying to break up illegal party in Hackney

Bottles, canisters, kerb stones and a bicycle all thrown at police during trouble, Scotland Yard says

Bottles, kerb stones and cannisters were all thrown at police as violence flared when officers tried to break up an illegal rave in London.

Two teenagers have been arrested following the clashes near the Woodberry Down estate in Hackney shortly after 11pm on Friday night.

Footage on social media appeared to show partygoers responding furiously as riot units from the Metropolitan Police tried to disperse the gathering. A bicycle was also lobbed at officers, two of whom suffered minor injuries, Scotland Yard said.

It was 4am before the crowds were fully dispersed.

An 18-year-old man was arrested for violent disorder and obstruction, and a 19-year-old was detained for obstruction. By early Saturday afternoon, they remained in custody.

The Met’s deputy assistant commissioner Lucy D’Orsi said: “The violence and disorder encountered is totally unacceptable, as is the fear I am sure this generates amongst the local community, who called the police for help.

“In this case the irresponsible actions of the organiser led to injuries to our officers. Under no circumstance will policing accept this, particularly after we had appealed for such events not to take place.

“Officers will continue to patrol this weekend in increased numbers to keep communities safe. They will be engaging with local communities but will also be using tactics such as stop and search. Those who go to unlicensed music events are putting themselves, their families and their communities at risk. I urge anyone considering attending an event like this to rethink their plans.”

The incident comes just weeks after 27 officers were injured in the capital after being pelted with bottles and stones while attempting to break up two separate illegal parties in Brixton and Notting Hill. At least four people have since been charged in connection with those incidents.

But experts say that with mass gatherings still outlawed by the government in a bid to reduce the spread of coronavirus, many more such clashes should be expected.