Police officer injured, four arrested after clashes erupt in London following France’s World Cup win over Morocco

A Metropolitan Police officer was injured and four people were arrested after clashes broke out in west London following France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the World Cup quarter-finals on Thursday night, authorities said. The disorder on Edgware Road came as France booked a place in the semi-finals, while Paris remained largely peaceful despite fears of unrest and a major security operation. 

Hundreds of people gathered on Edgware Road after France's victory, which was secured through second-half goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.

Videos shared on social media showed police in riot gear forming lines across the road as officers attempted to disperse crowds. Footage also showed bottles, fireworks and flares being thrown towards police, while smoke bombs were set off during the disorder.

One police officer was seen lying on the ground between two riot vans while being treated by paramedics. Other officers were also seen attending to people who appeared to have been injured.

According to the Standard, crowds shouted abuse at police as officers charged towards sections of the crowd in an effort to restore order. Other footage showed officers appearing to fall back while coming under attack.

Officer taken to hospital

The Metropolitan Police said officers were initially called after a group of people gathered in the road and blocked traffic before the situation escalated.

In a statement, the force said: "One officer has been injured, and four people have been arrested following disorder in Edgware Road.”

"Officers were initially called after a group of people congregated in the road and blocked traffic. The incident then escalated with the group throwing bottles and setting off fireworks. As a result, further officers were deployed to the area.

"One officer was taken to hospital for head injuries, it is believed he had been hit by a glass bottle. No other injuries were reported. Officers remained in the area and made four arrests for violent disorder, with the group dispersing and the road re-opened from around 01:00hrs.

"We will not tolerate such disorder on our streets, or attacks on our officers. A police presence will remain in the area overnight and we will be reviewing CCTV and video footage circulating on social media to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice."

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes told LBC Radio the injured officer had been knocked unconscious after being struck by a glass bottle but had since been released from hospital.

Describing the incident as "very serious", Jukes said police would circulate footage as officers "go after those who haven't yet been arrested and need to be."

Speaking about the injured officer, he added: "I'm really pleased to know they're doing well. Be catching up with them later."

Emergency response

The London Ambulance Service said it received reports of an assault at 11.01pm on Thursday.

"We were called at 11.01pm yesterday, 9 July, to reports of an assault in Edgware Road, W1H," a spokesperson said.

"We sent a number of resources to the scene including an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer.

"We treated a patient at the scene and took him to hospital."

Local leaders condemn violence

Westminster City Council leader Paul Swaddle condemned the disorder.

"It is completely unacceptable that Metropolitan police officers appear to have been turned on by some groups and one officer injured as they were reportedly pelted with bottles," he said.

"I condemn this behaviour and appeal to all fans to be respectful throughout the tournament."

The disorder came less than a week after similar scenes on Edgware Road following Egypt's World Cup last-32 victory over Australia, when supporters clashed with police and climbed onto vehicles, including a double-decker bus, after large crowds gathered on the street.

Paris remains calm despite security fears

The violence in London contrasted with events in France, where authorities had prepared for possible unrest following the match between France and Morocco.

More than 20,000 police officers were deployed across France, including 8,000 in Paris, after a French security memo warned violence could mirror the disorder that followed Paris Saint-Germain's championship celebrations in May.

However, Paris remained largely peaceful as thousands of supporters celebrated France's victory. Fans gathered along the Champs-Élysées, sounding car horns, waving French flags from vehicles and mopeds, while authorities pedestrianised parts of the capital to accommodate the celebrations.

Cheers of "Kyky I love you!" echoed through sections of the city as France secured a place in the World Cup semi-finals.