An officer was hospitalised with head injuries after being hit with a glass bottle as football fans clashed with police on Edgware Road last night following Morocco’s World Cup defeat.
Clips showed Morocco fans appearing to chase riot police down the street, known for its Middle Eastern culture and nightlife.
Other supporters let off fireworks as officers wearing face protection and body shields attempted to move crowds off the road.
A total of four people were arrested for violent disorder after an officer was taken to hospital to be treated for head injuries, from where he has since been discharged, Met Police confirmed.
Amid the chaos, police attended to a man pictured lying on the road at the junction with Seymour Street.
Another video showed a huge brawl breaking out outside a bar, with furniture being hurled and fans dragging one another onto the street.
The clashes came as fans blocked the road after Morocco crashed out of the tournament after a 2-0 quarter-final loss to France.
Edgware Road was finally reopened to traffic at 1am this morning.
Previous matches involving Morocco and Egypt had seen similar clashes in the neighbourhood.
Council leader Paul Swaddle said he was ‘deeply disturbed’ by the scenes of confrontation.
He wrote: ‘Deeply disturbed by scenes of crowd disorder on the Edgware Road after last night’s World Cup results.
‘Completely unacceptable that @metpoliceuk officers appear to have been turned on & one officer injured. I appeal to all fans to be respectful throughout the tournament.’
A spokesperson for Met Police said: ‘Officers were initially called after a group of people congregated in the road and blocked traffic. The incident then escalated with the group throwing bottles and setting off fireworks. As a result, further officers were deployed to the area.
‘One officer was taken to hospital for head injuries, it is believed he had been hit by a glass bottle. He has now been released from hospital and no other injuries were reported. Officers remained in the area and made four arrests for violent disorder, with the group dispersing and the road re-opened from around 01:00hrs.
‘We will not tolerate such disorder on our streets, or attacks on our officers. A police presence will remain in the area overnight and we will be reviewing CCTV and video footage circulating on social media to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.’