Nine Arrested in Fulham Overnight


Police report "violent disorder" on North End Road

Nine people were arrested in Fulham on Monday night as police  tackled outbreaks of "sporadic disorder", mainly on North End Road and the adjoining Clem Atlee Estate.

Chief Superintendent Lucy D'Orsi, Borough Commander for Hammersmith and Fulham Police is due to hold a press conference with about the overnight disorder at 12.30pm today

Elsewhere in the borough things remained calm. In Hammersmith witnesses reported hearing many police sirens, but there was no actual trouble.

In Shepherd's Bush, where Westfield had installed barricades manned by security guards at the entrance, there were reports of sirens and police on standby, but again no trouble, though Goldhawk Road was reportedly closed at midnight

During Monday evening, there were 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 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."

Other witnesses reported seeing 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 were also 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.

Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.


August 9, 2011