Westfield Stratford Incident Sees One Arrested After Police Called To Disturbance

The shopping centre was 'not evacuated', according to a statement.

Police have arrested 11 people following a disturbance at Westfield Stratford on Boxing Day.

Two police officers were injured in the incident.

Videos and images posted to social media showed groups of young people being dispersed by police, with some describing the incident as a “riot”.

And goodwill to all men. #SMH @westfieldstrat and @metpoliceuk doing a quick, effective and proportionate response ✌ pic.twitter.com/J9KA4H3ks6

— Bilal Mahmood (@bilal_labour) December 26, 2017

A Metropolitan Police statement said: “Police were called at 14.34hrs on Tuesday, 26 December to reports of disturbances at Westfield Stratford City in Montfichet Rd, Stratford.

“Officers attended and additional high-visibility patrols were deployed, and groups causing the disorder were dispersed.

“A total of 11 people were arrested for a variety of offences, and two knives were recovered.

“Two police officers have received hospital treatment for minor injuries.”

A Section 60 order was in place until 10.30pm, which allows a police officer to stop and search a person without suspicion.

mum is in Westfield right now and just sent me this wowwwww pic.twitter.com/c4s8gn8LLF

— Ruku Tease (@thatsadman_) December 26, 2017

Westfield Stratford described the incident as a “minor disturbance” and insisted the shopping centre was not evacuated.

It comes after shoppers were left in panic on Oxford Street after reports of gunshots prompted armed police to attend the scene.

Photographs on social media showed a smashed window at the House of Fraser store in central London, although it was unclear whether it was this that sparked the panic.

Police said that there was no sign of any gunshots or indeed of any laws being broken.

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