Police pelted with fireworks as Vauxhall 'mini-riot' shut down

Francesca Gillett1 August 2017

Police were pelted with fireworks as they tried to break up a large late-night party which turned violent on the streets of south London.

Eight people have been arrested for violent disorder and are currently being held in custody after what witnesses described as a “mini riot” on Dorset Road in Vauxhall in the early hours of Tuesday.

Residents described around 200 people taking part in a “street rave” which got “out of hand” as riot police came to shut it down.

Two women are also receiving treatment in hospital after being hit by a car, which fled the scene before police arrived.

People on the streets of Vauxhall in the early hours of Monday morning.
Twitter/cemal emirzeoğlu

A police helicopter was also scrambled to the scene and woke up residents in south London, who heard it circling above.

Scotland Yard said it had received reports shortly after midnight of a male seen with a suspected firearm and males seen with knives at the scene.

The Met said: "As officers were on route to the location there were reports of a car having collided with two pedestrians.

"On arrival police attempted to clear the area of the party to investigate both incidents but crowds became hostile to police and some people threw items, including fireworks, at officers.

"Further officers, including the Territorial Support Group, attended the location to disperse the crowds.

"The two pedestrians - both women - were taken to hospital. Their injuries are described as not life-threatening. The occupants of the car had fled the scene prior to police arrival."

Witness Goran Zdrale said he saw a "mini riot" and "a group of 60-80 young people pushed from an estate down Dorset road".

Bridie Wilkinson said on Twitter: “Anyone in #Vauxhall #Oval area know why there are helicopters, police dogs and riot gear on the streets?”

John Kuzara wrote: “There was a street rave of 200ish people happening outside my flat and the police came to break it up, but it got super out of hand”.

A video posted on social media show people running about on the street at the junction with Clapham Road as someone shouts: “It’s manic.”

Loud yells and cheers can be heard as cars try to drive along the busy road.

It comes after violence erupted on the streets of Hackney on Friday night at a protest over the death of young man Rashan Charles.

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