Officer hospitalized after bottle attack on Edgware Road

A Metropolitan Police officer was knocked unconscious and hospitalized after being struck by a glass bottle during violent disorder in central London late on July 9, 2026. The unrest erupted on Edgware Road following Morocco's 2-0 defeat to France in a World Cup quarterfinal match, leading to four arrests for violent disorder.

Police were initially called to the area after a large crowd blocked the road. The situation escalated as members of the group began throwing bottles and launching fireworks toward officers. Riot police were deployed, forming a line across the street in an effort to contain the violence and restore order. The injured officer was treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service shortly after 11 p.m. before being taken to a hospital. He was later released.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police condemned the attacks and the disruption. A spokesperson said the force would not tolerate such disorder on London's streets or attacks on its officers. Police confirmed a heightened presence would remain in the area overnight and that officers were reviewing CCTV and social media footage to identify further suspects. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes described the...