Six arrests as police officers surrounded and attacked during violence in Islington

Crime reporter(wp/es):

Police officers were surrounded and attacked as violence erupted during an arrest in north London.

Witnesses said the area was like a "war zone" as riot police reportedly descended on Islington on Thursday night.

Scotland Yard said its officers used tear gas after they were assaulted while arresting a man in Arbon Court in Linton Street.

Six people, including the original suspect, were eventually arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including assault.

The Met said that several officers had been assaulted but none sustained injuries.

Residents told how police helicopters were seen circling over the area while police cars tore through the streets as the disorder broke out.

Witness James Watthey told the Weastar Times: “It was pretty alarming. I was just trying to eat in the garden while watching the chopper circling overhead. 

“I’m guessing there was some kind of pursuit from Upper Street towards Old Street as that’s where the sirens seemed to be heading.”

Others commented on the noise, with Ben Fisher tweeting: “What’s going on in Islington? Two helicopters? I’m getting tired of the house shaking now.”

Photos posted on social media show scores of police cars and vans descending on the housing estate.

Harriet Fox said: “Is this really just one helicopter hovering above Islington?

“Sounds like a whole damn pack. What’s happening out there?"

During the incident, some officers were assaulted although none were injured.

“Six people - no further details - were arrested, including the man police initially attended to arrest, for a variety of offences including public order and assault. They remain in custody.

“There were no reports of any other injuries.”