Columns of riot police descend on London's Edgware Road after sour Morocco fans spark ugly scenes

Columns of riot police were forced to descend on London's Edgware Road as scenes turned ugly after Morocco were turfed out of the World Cup.

Hundreds of fans had gathered on the west London street, home to a sizeable Middle Eastern community, for the crunch quarter-final on Thursday night.

But after the north African side were beaten 2-0 by France, riots broke out, sparking an overwhelming police response.

Rowdy supporters were seen lighting flares and fireworks, blocking traffic and climbing on traffic lights.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

More fans paraded through the streets before clashes broke out with police.

In footage shared on social media, rows of riot gear-clad officers could be seen marching to break up crowds by the junction of Edgware Road and Seymour Street.

One man could be seen lying on the ground as police and paramedics rushed to attend to him.

Several police vans then arrived to clear the street from football fans by 11.30pm.

Morocco were comfortably beaten by France yesterday evening, with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele the scorers.

The African side had been the first from the continent to reach a semi-final in 2022 - but were denied the chance to repeat their feat by the French, who also knocked them out in Qatar.

Just days ago, Edgware Road fell victim to similar scenes when Egypt beat Australia on penalties.

Traffic ground to a halt in the west of the capital as even greater crowds than last night's marched up the street.

Again, fans clashed with police and even climbed on buses, but one man was hit by a car as celebrations soured.

Footage showed a grey SUV driving through a crowd before hitting into a man, leaving him on the floor.

Police said the pedestrian was rushed to hospital and broke his arm in the collision.

More to follow...

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter