Dozens of riot police descend on southeast London funfair: One person is feared stabbed, three others are arrested and parents are told to take children away from the scene amid chaos
- Arrests were made over possession of an offensive weapon and related offences
- Officers were seen responding in Greenwich Park as helicopter hovers overhead
- Local politicians told parents to make sure children return home immediately
Dozens of riot police tonight descended on a southeast London funfair as three people were arrested amid fears of a stabbing.
Parents around Greenwich Park and in the wider Blackheath area have been told to keep their children away from the scene after chaos began to erupt earlier this evening.
Footage from the scene shows a line of police officers marching through the park as crowds disperse, while a helicopter hovers overhead.
Officers and a number of police vans have also been spotted ‘pushing kids down the street away from the heath’, according to witnesses, with local politicians taking to social media to urge youngsters to avoid the area.
The Met told MailOnline a stabbing has been reported amid calls of antisocial behaviour, though no injured victim has been found.
Police chiefs added that three people have been arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and related offences.
The disruption took place at the scene of Blackheath Bank Holiday Fun Fair, which has put on a range of rides and attractions during the Easter holidays.
Organisers said on its Facebook page this evening that the festivities were closed ‘due to unforeseen circumstances’.
Police are dealing with reports of antisocial behaviour and a number of assaults in the area around Greenwich Park and Blackheath, southeast London (stock image)
A Met spokesman said: ‘Police are dealing with reports of antisocial behaviour and a number of assaults at Greenwich Park.
‘A stabbing has also been reported; no victim has been found.
‘A section 60 has been authorised and is in place until 07:00hrs on Wednesday, 13 April.
‘Three people have been arrested for possession of an offensive weapon and related offences.’
Matthew Pennycook, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, tweeted: ‘I’m aware of the large-scale disorder taking place on Circus Field, Blackheath.
‘The police are deploying extra resource. Please avoid the area. If you believe your child is at the funfair or in the area, please ask them to return home immediately.’
Greenwich Council leader Dan Thorpe added: ‘We are aware of serious disorder on #blackheath and @Royal_Greenwich are liaising closely with @MPSGreenwich – there is significant disruption in the area and will continue to be for some time. Please avoid the area and keep checking our socials for updates.
‘If your child is in the #blackheath area – or you don’t know where they are – please make urgent contact. Make sure they go home asap. This is an urgent message to parents & carers across @Royal_Greenwich – we appreciate your help. #greenwich’
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