Seven police officers injured after being pelted with 'bricks and missiles' while trying to break up illegal music event in west London

Seven police officers were injured after revellers pelted them with "bricks and missiles" as they tried to break up an illegal lockdown music event in west London.

Police were called to Havelock Close, White City following reports of a number of people gathered at an estate on Friday evening.

When officers arrived on the scene, the group "became hostile" and some began throwing items including "bricks and other missiles", causing them to retreat and regroup.

Specially trained public order officers returned to the estate and despite being subject to "hostility and violence" managed to disperse the crowd.

A Dispersal Zone was authorised and a section 60 was put in place allowing police to stop and search.

Illegal party-goers pelt police as they back away (@davekayani)

In video taken at the scene a man can be heard saying "These boys retreating," as crowds chased officers away and pelted them with items.

Police are aware of a number of people gathered this evening at an unlicenced music event in Havelock Close #W12.

Officers are in attendance & engaging with those present and encouraging them to leave.

— Hammersmith and Fulham (@MPSHammFul)

July 3, 2020

Earlier footage shows a large group gathering outside an estate, with music blaring in the background.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “Officers have responded to residents complaining about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence.

The crowd chased the police around the coroner (@davekayani)

“These gatherings are illegal and also pose a risk to public health.

“The violence shown towards officers this evening was totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it in any form.

"Officers encountered bricks and other missiles being thrown at them. Our robust police response demonstrated that we will police incidents like these firmly and stop those intent on causing harm or disruption to our communities.”

The gathering was dispersed by around 1.15am. No arrests have been made.

Although the Government has given the green light fo pubs and some other hospitality and leisure services to reopen on "super Saturday", large gathering are still banned.

Police forces across the county have been battling illicit rave and lockdown parties in recent weeks, including in Notting Hill and Kensington.

Last month 22 officers were injured after clashes broke out as they tried to break up an illegal music event in Brixton , south London.