Oxford Street: Video shows one of nine arrests in London West End disturbances

A major policing operation was launched on Wednesday (August 9) after social media posts went viral, apparently encouraging shoplifting in Oxford Street.

The Met Police said nine people were arrested after a dispersal order was imposed from Oxford Circus down to Embankment.

Large crowds gathered and Oxford Circus and Warren Street Tube stations are reported to have temporarily closed after a request by the police.

The Met Police said in a statement: “Throughout Wednesday officers maintained a high visibility presence within the Oxford Street area.

“As of 8.15pm officers have issued 34 people with dispersal orders and made nine arrests.

“Four people were arrested on suspicion of breaching the dispersal order, one person was arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal, one person arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and one person was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.

“Earlier in the afternoon officers arrested two people in Essex for conspiracy to commit robbery following online social media posts.”

A Section 35 dispersal order was authorised, beginning at 10am on Wednesday and lasting until 7am on Friday (August 11). It covers a large area of the West End, as shown in the above map.

The Met Police said it was implemented to tackle incidents of antisocial behaviour, crime & disorder.

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