Police attacked as party in north-east London degenerates
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Version 0 of 1. A party spiralled out of control at the weekend with police confronted by a 400-strong crowd armed with bottles and bricks after neighbours complained about the noise in north-east London. Officers were called just before midnight on Saturday by neighbours who reported a large party at Sandford Court on Bethune Road, in Stamford Hill. When police arrived, their cars were blocked and they were confronted by hundreds of partygoers, many disguised with face masks. Police were attacked with objects thrown from balconies, Scotland Yard said, and bins were pushed at police vehicles. On social media, local police urged the public to avoid the area, while a London Ambulance account tweeted images from the chaotic scene: We are currently dealing with large scale disorder in Bethune Road N16. Please avoid the area Scenes from last nights violent disorder @MPSHackney #JobLikeNoOther #noordinarychallenge #999family pic.twitter.com/uxXuyNnn8v DCI Cath Edginton, from Hackney police, said: “A number of residents had contacted police to complain about the noise levels at the party and it was for this reason that officers attended. To be confronted by hundreds of people and attacked in this way is wholly unacceptable.’’ She added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who witnessed the events or has information about the people responsible to contact the police.” Riot police and police dogs, as well as a police helicopter, were drafted to the disorderly scene at Stamford Hill. Although no officers were injured during the confrontation, a member of the public was treated by the London Ambulance Service for breathing difficulties. It took officers two and half hours to bring the situation under control, with several fights breaking out among those who had attended the party. The crowd was dispersed by 2am on Sunday and a knife was discovered in a search of the area. “It is fortunate that none of my officers were injured,” Edington said. No arrests were made, but police are trying to identify and track down those involved. |