Police probing six stabbings after Arsenal parade in London

Police said they are investigating six stabbings following the Arsenal Champions Parade held in north London on Sunday, May 31. The Metropolitan Police issued an update on Monday, June 1, just hours after the parade ended.

In the message, the force thanked "the vast majority of people who attended the Arsenal Champions Parade" who celebrated the victory of their team responsibly. However, they added, a number of probes were launched in light of a string of alleged incidents. A total of 24 people were arrested, according to the Met, who said the parade saw the deployment of more than 500 police officers alongside specialist search and drone teams.

10 people were arrested on suspicion of assault on police, the force said, adding that one officer suffered a slash wound to the hand and another was hit on the head, with both injuries allegedly caused by objects thrown.

Three people were arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

Among other arrests made, three people were detained on suspicion of breach of a Section 35 dispersal order.

All the 24 people arrested have been taken into custody, the force added.

The Met, who said to have worked closely with Arsenal Football Club, Islington Council, Transport for London and emergency services partners for several months to plan the event to ensure the parade was safe and enjoyable for everyone, also mentioned damage being caused to four police vans located in Therberton Street. No arrests were made and enquiries continue with regards to these incidents.

Speaking about the stabbing incidents, the Met Police said in the statement: "Later on in the evening after most of the crowds had dispersed, officers dealt with six stabbings on the parade footprint. Most of the victims were not seriously injured, however one man in his 20s was initially taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition after being stabbed shortly before 20:30hrs in Hornsey Road, N7. Fortunately, he is now in a stable condition.

"A Section 60 order was authorised overnight in the local area to help prevent further offences and give officers additional stop and search powers."

Commander Stuart Bell, who led the Met’s public order operation this weekend, said: “I would like to thank the vast majority of the hundreds of thousands of Arsenal supporters who attended the day to celebrate safely and responsibly.

“There was a police presence along the route throughout the event, supporting event organisers and stewarding operations.

“However, we had been clear that violence and other criminality would not be tolerated and unfortunately there were pockets of anti-social behaviour and incidents where officers needed to intervene, including assaults on their colleagues.

“As the evening progressed and the majority of the crowds made their way home, there was sadly further violence, including gang-related incidents.

“Officers were swiftly on scene to each stabbing and investigations are ongoing.”

Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Islington, added: “This of course was a huge and significant event for our community and Arsenal fans more widely and we worked closely with the local authority and other partners to plan for the event and then throughout the day.

“Our officers are back out on patrol today to provide visible reassurance and our investigation teams are working hard to identify offenders and bring them to justice. We stand with our local communities against violence.”