ABOUT 140 police officers have been hurt across London in less than three weeks amids ongoing protests and illegal raves, Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick revealed.
The Met Police officers have become a target of public violence after intervening at public protests as well as to stop illegal parties planned all over London. Commissioner Cressida Dick warned the aggression shown towards officers over the past three weeks is “utterly unacceptable.” The warning comes after several police officers were pelted with various objects as they were called in to break up a street party in Notting Hill on Thursday.
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Commissioner Dick insisted her officers have a “duty” to shut down public gatherings because of the current coronavirus advisory in force.
She said the Met Police remained on the lookout for new attacks after 22 police officers were injured after interrupting an earlier street party in Brixton on Wednesday evening.
An official report stated officers had been called in by local residents concerned with the illegal party but they had been met with a “hostile” crowd.
Dame Cressida said: “We have seen some very peaceful in some instances but also some protests that have become very violent.
“And we have seen a very large number of people completely flouting regulations, seeming not to care at all about their own or their familys health, wanting to have large parties.
“Its hot, some people have drunk far too much, some people are just angry and aggressive, some are plain violent.
“We will be prepared this weekend, we have officers all over London, working hard again to try to keep the peace and to protect the public from violence.”
Replying to a Sky News tweet on the injured officers, one anonymous police officer wrote: “We came under sustained attack from bottles and missiles, no NATO’s or PSU kit…4 on my team struck but ok.
“Tactical withdrawal. Everyone of us wanted to kit up and go back in, due to injured officers unable to do so.
“Proud of all officers there last night. Very Hostile crowd.”
Commenting on the Notting Hill party, Kensington & Chelsea Police tweeted: “Officers are at the scene of an unlicensed music event near Colville Gardens, #W11.
“Objects have been thrown at officers dispersing the crowd. Violence will not be tolerated & units are responding appropriately.
“This gathering is illegal & we ask anyone in attendance to leave.”
Writing on Twitter, Commander Bas Javid insisted the police is only trying to keep the public safe at this difficult time.
Mr Javid said: “We remain in a public health crisis and these unlicensed events are illegal.
“Our role is to keep our communities safe and this evening people can expect to see a heightened police presence out in areas where we know these events are taking place.
“This is in direct response to concerns expressed by our communities, many of whom were scared and shocked by the events taking place outside their homes.”
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