Southall Eid Celebrations Marred By Violence
Police say disorder sparked by people from outside the area
A man climbs on a bus stop in Southall with a flare. Picture: @UB1UB2
April 11, 2024
A senior police officer in Ealing has blamed people from outside the local area for disturbances that marred this year’s Eid celebrations in Southall.
Gangs of youths congregated in The Broadway at around midnight on Tuesday (9 April) and were filmed climbing on bus stops and throwing bottles at police.
Nobody was hurt during the chaos and there was just one arrest, a 15-year-old boy not from Southall, who was detained for a public order offence.
Ealing borough commander Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson described the behaviour as unacceptable and said that his officers would be reviewing the events to establish if any further action can be taken.
He added, "Local officers were in the Southall area to ensure the local community could celebrate Eid and reassure local businesses and residents.
"Our neighbourhood officers worked with organisers on how this event could go ahead peacefully. However, sadly, shortly before midnight, a small number of young people - who we do not believe to be from the area - became involved in sporadic anti-social behaviour, including climbing on to bus stops.
"As officers attempted to speak with these people about their safety, they were surrounded by a crowd, again many of whom were not from Southall, before items, including bottles, were thrown towards them. Fortunately, neither members of the public nor the officers were injured."
Video of the disturbances from @UB1UB2https://t.co/1yL0ndWkam pic.twitter.com/NZLo0Hvosm
— UB1UB2 West London (Southall) (@UB1UB2) April 10, 2024
The police thanked the organisers of the celebration for their support and said that discussion will continue with the community and local partners about the events of the night.
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