A huge brawl erupted on a busy South-East London high street outside a branch of Nando’s, with dramatic footage showing one man knocked to the ground with a sucker punch as dozens of people scrapped in the middle of the road shortly after England’s World Cup victory over Croatia.
The violence broke out just after 11pm on Wednesday on High Street in Beckenham, with witnesses filming the chaotic scenes as they unfolded. Footage shows several individuals already trading blows before one man is punched from the side, unable to defend himself, and falls to the ground. Another person is then seen kicking someone who is already lying on the floor. Further videos shared online show police arriving to intervene, with one man’s face covered in blood.
Three people were treated at the scene for injuries. The Metropolitan Police confirmed a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He has since been released on bail.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “Around 23:10hrs on Wednesday, 17 June, officers attended High Street, Beckenham, following reports of an altercation involving a large number of people. Police attended with the London Ambulance Service. A man aged in his 30s, a woman aged in her 30s and another man of unknown age were treated at the scene for minor injuries. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was taken into custody, before being released on bail.”
The motive behind the brawl remains unknown. The disorder took place shortly after England’s opening World Cup match against Croatia, in which Thomas Tuchel’s side secured a 4-2 victory thanks to a double from Harry Kane, a third goal from Jude Bellingham and a fourth from Marcus Rashford — Tuchel’s first-ever win over a top 20 ranked team as England manager.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting reference 9185/17JUN.
