Seven arrested over illegal gatherings across London in police crackdown

The capital has seen a spate of illegal raves over the past days
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Police have arrested seven people within 24 hours following a spate of illegal gatherings in London.

The arrests include two people in east London, who were carrying a “Rambo-style” knife and a gun between them.

Officers were called to the area at 4.50pm on Friday after local residents reported that a large group of people were setting up a sound system in Hoskins Close, Newham.

Three more people were arrested at an event in Third Avenue, near Kensal Green, on suspicion of violent disorder, a breach of Covid-19 health regulations and racially aggravated public order towards officers.

Another two people were arrested at the same event for attacks on officers – one for throwing a bar stool at an officer, who was uninjured, and the other for racially abusing an officer.

Two officers suffered injuries while policing the incidents but did not require hospital treatment.

Metropolitan Police have spent three consecutive nights tackling unlicensed events across the capital, with Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick vowing to shut down any gatherings that flout health regulations.

Following news of the arrests on Saturday, Scotland Yard Commander Bas Javid said: “We have made it very clear this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and there are a number of post-event investigations now under way.

“Residents living near where these events took place were understandably scared and concerned. We received numerous calls for police to attend and disperse the large, intimidating groups.

“Our officers have done a very good job in some very difficult circumstances. I applaud the way they have been able to tackle some difficult situations.

He continued: “My big push to people today, particularly to those who have taken to disregarding the current health regulations, is to very much comply with those health regulations. They are there for your own safety, as well as that of your family and communities.”

Earlier, Dame Cressida said it had been a “very difficult few weeks” of lockdown easing in the city, with officers coming under attack as they tried to break up crowds.

Writing in The Sun newspaper, she said the force had a “duty” to stop unlawful music events during the Covid-19 pandemic and would be “on the lookout”.

“Big street parties are illegal and reckless. These events should not be happening,” she said.

Officers were also called to an unlicensed music event on Harrow Road, in west London, at about 3pm on Friday.

People there refused to leave when asked, though a Met spokesman said in an update given at about 6.30am on Saturday that there were no known arrests.

Dame Cressida has also warned that “consequences will follow” for those who attack officers and damage property.

In her Sun article, she said: “The officers I met this week were poised to deal with whatever they faced. Hundreds ready in full kit, should there be a violent or aggressive crowd to deal with.

“My message to those involved in thuggery and criminal damage is: consequences will follow.”

Her warning comes after officers sent to break up a street party in Notting Hill, west London, were pelted with objects on Thursday night.

Dozens of officers were also injured in violent scenes in Brixton, south London, on Wednesday evening.

Former Met Police commissioner Lord Blair said there needed to be a “public conversation” about the amount of violence being directed towards police in recent weeks, including at Black Lives Matter protests.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It cannot be right that this level of injury to officers is seen as acceptable.”

Meanwhile in Liverpool, police have been granted more power to disperse crowds after part of the Liver Building caught fire amid celebrations over Liverpool FC’s Premier League triumph.

Merseyside Police issued a section 34 dispersal order for the city centre, allowing officers to break up groups of more than two people, until Sunday.

The force has urged fans to put “safety first” and save their celebrations for when they may be permitted in the future.

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