Riot police called as officer injured in Derby meeting fracas
A police officer has been taken to hospital with facial injuries after violence broke out at one of the UKs biggest horse racing events of the year.
A police officer has been taken to hospital with facial injuries after violence broke out at one of the UKs biggest horse racing events of the year.
Officers in protective gear responded to a disturbance at the Investec Derby festival on Saturday (June 4).
The incident, which involved bottles being thrown near to the main music stage, resulted in two people being injured and 11 arrests being made.
Clashes began shortly after the final race had ended and the Queen had left at around 6-15pm.
One racegoer@wesleygosine tweeted: Fights everywhere at Epsom Derby, never seen anything like it.
Reports from social media indicate that one group of teenagers began fighting with another group, with a further cluster throwing things into the melee.
A police officer had a tooth knocked out and was taken to hospital for treatment for facial injuries. He has since been discharged.
An 18-year-old man was also treated for head and facial injuries at the scene.
Police have denied reports of two people being stabbed during the event.
Surrey Police Temporary Chief Superintendent Jerry Westerman said it was a small minority of visitors who cause trouble and spoilt the atmosphere of the event.
“Surrey Police will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and anyone who can assist officers with their investigation is urged to do the right thing and come forward, he said.
“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have captured it on camera to contact police – any information could help officers piece together the events and bring those responsible to justice.
A 20-year-old man from Caterham has been arrested on suspicion of assault (GBH); a 19-year old man from Caterham has been arrested on suspicion of affray; a 19-year-old man from Reigate has been arrested for affray; a 36-year-old man from Croydon has been arrested on suspicion of affray and on suspicion of being in possession of Class B drugs.
A 15-year-old boy from London has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and on suspicion of possession of cannabis; an 18-year-old man from Sutton has been arrested on suspicion of affray and two 18-year-old men, two 17-year-old boys and one 16-year-old boy from Epsom have been arrested on suspicion of affray.