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Jan 21, 2024

Rowdy revellers storm fence to break into sold

A clip shared on TikTok shows a swarm of people breaching a white fence and

A clip shared on TikTok shows a swarm of people breaching a white fence and speeding past a handful of security to gain entry to London's firework event - police confirmed some were successful

Revellers were seen storming London's New Year's Eve fireworks event in chaotic scenes last night.

A clip shared on TikTok shows a swarm of people breaching a white fence and speeding past a handful of security.

The security could do little to stop the stream of revellers running past them as the floodgates opened.

Last night's event was the first time central London saw crowds like this since Covid-19 restrictions.

The Met Police said there were several incidents where people attempted to force their way through the barriers from about 11.15pm.

A spokesperson said some were successful but didn't specify how many.

They said officers at one point drew their batons to challenge the crowd.

They added a small number of people were treated for minor injuries.

It comes two weeks after a crowd surge at the O2 Academy in Brixton, South London saw two people killed - one a concertgoer and another a security guard.

A third person is still in the hospital fighting for her life.

A Met Police spokesperson said: "As in previous years, the main attraction was the Mayor of London's fireworks which was a sold-out all-ticketed event.

"Gates opened at 20:00hrs and there were no reports of any significant incidents for the first three hours.

"From around 23:15hrs until midnight, however, there were a number of incidents where groups of people without tickets forced their way past hoardings and fencing.

"Officers worked quickly in challenging circumstances to support stewards in an effort to prevent crowds from getting into the ticketed area and to maintain the safety and security of those already inside.

"At the junction of Storey's Gate and Victoria Street, they had to draw their batons when a small but determined group who had pushed down fence panels in an attempt to get in became aggressive towards stewards and officers.

"A small number of people were treated for minor injuries."

Last night, more than 100,000 people went out in London to watch the firework display.

Big Ben bonged in England's capital as a crowd gathered along the Thames Embankment to watch 12,000 fireworks streak across the sky.

The sold-out show was designed to send a message of "love and unity", as it highlighted the Lionesses' history-making Euro win at Wembley, marked 50 years of London's Pride with a message from Peter Tatchell from the Gay Liberation Front, and sent a message of support to Ukraine.

The display also paid tribute to the late Queen, featuring a voice recording from her and words from Dame Judi Dench, before honouring the King, together with a message from Charles about the need to preserve our planet's future.

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