A HUGE fight erupted in south London after a group of men were spotted with knives.
Two men were injured in the brawl, with one being treated in hospital for a knife wound. Images from the scene show terrified residents watching police cordon off the area. The horror incident happened in Woolwich at around 3.45pm. Met police issued a Section 60 restriction on the area, giving officers the right to search people for a specific area.
The order is used when “an incident involving serious violence has taken place and a dangerous instrument or offensive weapon used in the incident is being carried in the locality”.
“Officers, including armed officers, and London Ambulance Service attended.
“One man, aged in his 20s, was found suffering a knife injury to the arm – he has been taken to hospital where he remains. His condition is not life-threatening.
“A second man, also aged in his 20s, suffered minor injuries.
“A total of six people – no further details – have been arrested on suspicion of GBH and remain in custody.
“Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.
“A section 60 has been put in place for the areas of Woolwich Common and Riverside, Charlton, Glyndon and Peninsula until 07:00hrs on Sunday, 28 June.
“Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD5341/27June. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The violence comes as police have vowed to take a strong stance against unrest in the city.
Police clashed with members of the public this week as they attempted to stop illegal gatherings in the city.
On Wednesday night, 22 officers were hurt and a number of patrol cars were damaged in Brixton, south London.
On Thursday, police were also called to the Notting Hill area of west London.
In a third day of clashes, police were also called to a gathering on Harrow Road, west London.
Seven people have been arrested and two weapons were seized by police in the last 24 hours.
Commander Bas Javid, of the Met’s frontline policing team, said: “All of the events which took place last night were illegal and in breach of the Covid regulations. We had officers out across the capital working hard to disperse them.
“The vast majority of people who attended engaged with officers and moved away from the locations without issue.
“However, again, a number refused to leave and became violent.
“We have made it very clear this type of behaviour will not be tolerated and there are a number of post-event investigations now underway.”
As a consequence of the number of illegal street parties, the Met has now deployed extra police officers.
Both the Prime Minister and Home Secretary have condemned the violence seen in recent weeks.
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