Police shut down an illegal south London nightclub event where 60 people were found partying in a “small space with no social distancing”.

Officers were called at around 1.10am on Sunday, May 16, to the unlicensed music event on Lambeth Road.

After forcing themselves inside, they found around 60 people.

Police, with assistance from Lambeth Council staff, attempted to clear venue and surrounding area, amid a “hostile” crowd.

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Several officers were assaulted, sustaining minor injuries, according to police.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drunk and disorderly behaviour and taken to a south London police station. He was given a fixed penalty notice while in custody.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault on an emergency worker. He was charged and bailed to appear before Croydon Magistrates Court on June 1.

Inspector Dave Laurie, Partnership & Prevention led for the Central South Command Unit, said: “Though restrictions are beginning to ease, this type of large gathering remains prohibited.

"Not only were those present taking unnecessary risks, they were also causing significant nuisance and disruption to the local area.

"Officers should feel safe when going about their work on the frontline.

"The response they received is unacceptable.

"The behaviour of a minority will not be tolerated and we will continue to work in partnership with bodies like the council to keep our communities safe."

Cllr Jacqui Dyer, Lambeth’s Deputy Leader (Jobs, Skills & Community Safety), said: "This is an extraordinary example of the commitment shown by Lambeth Council, the police and our partners to protect our residents.

“Venues such as these are illegal, unlicensed and can pose a serious risk to the safety of neighbouring residents as well as those who attend.

"They often lack fire safety precautions or basic first aid and lack the safeguards required of licensed, legal venues.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has not gone away. Mass gatherings involving 60 people, inside a small space with no social distancing is totally unacceptable."