The Metropolitan Police last night deployed teams of officers, on the night of Sunday, 28 July, the Met deployed across London to “keep communities safe” by closing down unlicensed music events (UMEs).
The events are completely illegal and are often linked to violent and anti-social behaviour, last week we saw Police Officers attacked on more than one occasion when responding to reports of an unlicensed party, it looks like the Met are not taking any chances again.
Officers attended several events on Saturday night and dispersed hundreds of people, largely without confrontation.
Among the unlicensed events were gatherings in the areas of Clapham Common, Tooting Bec Common, Burgess Park and Wembley.
In several locations, police were able to prevent music systems being set up before significant crowds gathered.
The Force warned those attending these unlicensed events they are also putting at increased risk of Covid-19 as social distancing is all but impossible.
Commander Bas Javid, of Frontline Policing, said: “There are teams of officers dedicated to tackling unlicensed music events on duty tonight.
“These events are illegal, they’re linked to violence, and groups who hold them are breaching health regulations.
“Those who go to unlicensed music events are putting themselves, their families and their communities at risk. I urge anyone considering attending an event like this to re-think their plans.
“Officers are already out across London, closing these events down, and they will arrest anyone suspected of criminal offences.
“I would like to thank the many people who have reported unlicensed music events to police over the past two nights. I urge communities to keep helping police by continuing to report this illegal activity.”
During one of these unlicensed music events in total, 27 officers were injured, none seriously, although two did require hospital treatment, several police vehicles were damaged.
A Dispersal Zone was authorised under s35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 to encourage crowds to leave.
Several people have so far been charged in relation to the Brixton unlicensed music event.
Full list of those arrested and the charges they are facing:
Wise Gambou – 19 (22.04.01) of Chalk Road, E13 has been charged with violent disorder and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 29 June.
[A] Donte Knight – 20 (25.11.99) of Charles Barry Close, SW4 and [B] a 16-year-old male from Brixton have been charged with violent disorder – both will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 29 June. [C] Natasha Agyekum – 24 (26.08.95) of Peckford Place, SW9 has been charged with assault on an emergency services worker and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 20 August.A further four males have been arrested on suspicion of the violent disorder as part of the investigation.
One male – [D] no further details – remains in custody at this time.
Three males – [F] aged 18; [G] aged 22 and [H] aged 28 – have been bailed pending further enquiries.
The public can report suspected UMEs by dialling 101, by tweeting @MetCC or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
[give_form id=”1772″ show_title=”true” show_goal=”false” show_content=”below” display_style=”modal”]
Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
[sibwp_form id=4]
