Cricket Celebrations End in Arrests

Trouble in Southall  following the World Cricket Cup final

Disturbances broke out in Southall last week after the World Cricket Cup final ended in victory for India.

Police say half an hour before the game with Sri Lanka ended, South Road and Southall Broadway were closed off to traffic to allow for safe celebrations.

At 6.20pm India won the match, which led to a massive celebration which spilled out onto the main streets.

About an hour later sporadic fights were reported and general public disorder which included bottle throwing, confronting officers, and letting off fireworks in the crowds.

Chief Inspector Manzoor Hussain said:

"On Saturday the 2nd April there were 10 arrests and one police car was damaged with one officer assaulted. A police helicopter was assigned over Southall Broadway to assist local police with crowd control.

'' I ordered the closure of the Uxbridge Road and South Road to all traffic to keep the very large celebrating crowds safe.  Crowds were gradually dispersed at around 12.30am."

7 April 2011