Clashes after Eid celebrations as frustration at restrictions erupts

A POLICE officer was injured in clashes with youths after Eid celebrations in east London, as police leaders warned they had been given little time to prepare to enforce new social distancing restrictions.

Violence broke out in Ilford after police asked a crowd of about 200 people to disperse, following the end of Muslim celebrations to mark the end of a month of fasting from dawn to sunset.

The Metropolitan Police said a fight broke out between two groups. One officer suffered a head injury, but it is not believed to be serious.

One man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and assault of an emergency worker. The disturbances, at 11.30pm on Thursday, came within hours of the Government imposing new restrictions banning families in different households from meeting, following a spike in Covid-19 infections.

The move is expected to affect communities across the North West, including thousands of Muslim families who had been preparing to celebrate Eid in towns such as Bradford, Oldham and part of Greater Manchester. It has been likened to banning Christmas.

Muslim leaders called on their communities to continue to exercise responsibility. But many also expressed frustration, both at the short notice of the new restrictions and the fact people are still being allowed to gather at pubs and beauty spots.