Four police officers have been injured and eight people arrested after a demonstration in south London, the Metropolitan Police has said.
There were clashes in Camberwell after a protest related to “tensions in the Eritrean community”, the force added.
Footage of the incident seemed to show people wielding sticks clashing with officers, bringing traffic to a halt.
About 50 people gathered outside a private venue before violence broke out, police said.
A heavy police presence was still in place at the scene, near The Lighthouse Theatre, on Saturday evening.
In a statement, the force said eight people were arrested for offences including violent disorder, criminal damage, possession of offensive weapons and assault on an emergency worker.
“Four officers were injured, one of whom was taken to hospital and has now been discharged,” the statement continued.
The Met said everyone involved in the demonstration had been dispersed and additional officers were called in to provide back-up.
A dispersal order has been put in place in the area until 07:00 on Sunday, which gives police the power to exclude a person from the area.
Officers said they had been working with a group of people who organised an event at a private venue in Camberwell Road.
The Met explained that those arrested were part of a group of demonstrators who gathered outside the venue.
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Abhinav Thawait is a globe-trotting correspondent with a passion for international affairs. With a background in international relations, he offers a global perspective on the most pressing issues around the world. Abhinav’s curiosity takes his to the far corners of the earth, where he seeks to share untold stories and diverse viewpoints.
