Riots Hit Hammersmith and Fulham


Fires and looting reported in the streets of Fulham

The riots which have been sweeping across London have hit Hammersmith and Fulham on Monday night.

There have been reports on Twitter of trouble on North End Road and Wandsworth Bridge Road in Fulham, including a road set on fire and a raid on Curry's store.

In Hammersmith however, witnesses report hearing many police sirens, but no actual trouble by midnight. In Shepherd's Bush, where Westfield had installed barricades manned by security guards at the entrance, there have also been reports of sirens and police on standby, but again no trouble, though Goldhawk Road was reportedly closed at midnight.

In Fulham, BBC sports reporter Will Perry, who lives off North End Road, reported seeing around 50 masked teens on bikes going past his door, then setting his street on fire. He tweeted: " Police here very quick.

"Fire Brigade in Fulham tell me these people were throwing stones at them as they try to put the flames out.

"Good job team Fulham. The fire is out. Our house however stinks of  smoke."

Also in Fulham, there were reports of a stand off between police and youths on bikes on North End Road, and two small fires on the Clem Atlee Estate. Women travelling in a taxi were also reportedly robbed.

There have also been reports of trouble on Wandsworth Bridge Road. Jamie247 tweeted: " Kids throw a bike under a bus to block the raid while they raided Curry's ... in Fulham!"

The violence has been condemned by local MP Greg Hands, who says: "For 14 years I have been saying London needs much tougher, New York-style policing. Now would be a good time to start."

We'll bring you more news as we receive it.

Police say Operation Withern is investigating the disorder and violence, and  an incident room has been set up. Anyone with information should call the Major Investigation Team on 020 8345 4142.

The team is being led by Detective Superintendent John Sweeney, and is made up of detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, specialist investigators from the Public Order Branch and police support staff.


August 9, 2011