Borough Commander Lucy D'Orsi has issued a message to local people about the disorder which reached Hammersmith and Fulham on Monday night, with reports of fires and looting and nine people arrested for violent disorder.

She says: " I know a lot of you have been concerned about the level of disorder in London and how this is impacting on Hammersmith and Fulham.

" As Borough Commander for Hammersmith and Fulham I would like to reassure you that we have plans in place to deal with any disorder robustly. I am personally over seeing the borough response to deal with any local disorder as well as providing support to other areas of London which have been more effected by recent events.

" Sporadic incidents took place overnight which were dealt with quickly by our officers and decisive action prevented disorder spreading. We made a number of arrests for breach of the peace, violent disorder and burglary.

" I am saddened to see people intent on damaging their own communities with mindless violence and criminality. We will not tolerate mindless criminality. We have plans and resources in place to tackle any further disorder, deal with normal policing and continue to work closely with our communities to asses the impact of the disorder.

" It is my intention to ensure that we keep our local community safe through visible and firm policing and by working closely with the Local Authority and Business Partners.

" You will see an increase in uniformed officers and community support officers in the coming days.

" I am enormously proud of my officers who have worked long hours in unprecedented conditions to keep the borough safe.

" I would urge anyone who may have any concerns to contact me.

" Community information/intelligence is invaluable during these unprecedented times. Please assist us in in condemning the actions of this violent minority and report any information however small, call on 101 or call crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please dial 999 in an emergency."

 

August 9, 2011

police  tackled outbreaks of "sporadic disorder", mainly on North End Road and the adjoining Clem Atlee Estate.

Chief Superintendent Lucy D'Orsi, Borough Commander for Hammersmith and Fulham Police is due to hold a press conference with about the overnight disorder at 12.30pm today

Elsewhere in the borough things remained calm. In Hammersmith witnesses reported hearing many police sirens, but there was no actual trouble.

In Shepherd's Bush, where Westfield had installed barricades manned by security guards at the entrance, there were reports of sirens and police on standby, but again no trouble, though Goldhawk Road was reportedly closed at midnight

During Monday evening, there were reports on Twitter of trouble on North End Road and Wandsworth Bridge Road in Fulham, including a road set on fire and a raid on Curry's store.

In Fulham, BBC sports reporter Will Perry, who lives off North End Road, reported seeing around 50 masked teens on bikes going past his door, then setting his street on fire. He tweeted:
" Police here very quick.

"Fire Brigade in Fulham tell me these people were throwing stones at them as they try to put the flames out.

"Good job team Fulham. The fire is out. Our house however stinks of  smoke."

Other witnesses reported seeing a stand off between police and youths on bikes on North End Road, and two small fires on the Clem Atlee Estate. Women travelling in a taxi were also reportedly robbed.

There were also reports of trouble on Wandsworth Bridge Road. Jamie247 tweeted: " Kids throw a bike under a bus to block the raid while they raided Curry's ... in Fulham!"

The violence has been condemned by local MP Greg Hands, who says: "For 14 years I have been saying London needs much tougher, New York-style policing. Now would be a good time to start."

We'll bring you more news as we receive it.

Police say Operation Withern is investigating the disorder and violence, and  an incident room has been set up. Anyone with information should call the Major Investigation Team on 020 8345 4142.

The team is being led by Detective Superintendent John Sweeney, and is made up of detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, specialist investigators from the Public Order Branch and police support staff.

Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

August 9, 2011