Riot police called as 300 smash into town hall

MORE THAN 300 people smashed their way into Hackney town hall after an impromptu late-night street party turned ugly.

Police in riot gear had to be called to eject the revellers after they broke down the main door and rampaged through the building in Mare Street, smashing doors and windows.

Three policemen were slightly injured and seven people were arrested.

The gathering began outside the building at about 2am yesterday after the local late-night Samuel Pepys Pub had closed. Partygoers had congregated at the pub following the London Fields Music Festival on Saturday.

After the break-in police in riot gear and a dog unit moved in.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "It is believed that a number of people entered the building without permission and missiles were thrown at police by a crowd gathering outside the premises.

"Two male officers were injured after being struck with a missile, they were not placed on sick. One male sergeant making an arrest was stamped and kicked in the leg.

"The town hall was cleared by 3.10am. Seven people were arrested and taken to Stoke Newington police station."

A Hackney council spokesman said: "A large group of individuals broke into Hackney town hall. They caused damage inside the town hall, smashing doors and windows. Some arrests have already been made. A crime scene has been set up and we understand that the police will be conducting further work today "We will assist the police in any way we can to make sure those who caused this damage are caught.

"We don't want to comment any further at this stage so as not to prejudice the police's investigations."

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