Camberwell clash: Four cops hurt after stick-wielding crowd attacks police as theatre protest descends into mayhem

FOUR police officers were injured when a crowd wielding sticks attacked them as the protest turned into a riot.

Shocking footage shows police struggling to contain dozens of protesters outside a theater in Camberwell, south London.

Shocking footage showed the chaos on the streets of south London on SaturdayCredit: UKNIP

Protesters were seen throwing barriers at police amid the chaos in Camberwell

Police said the violence broke out amid protests by more than 60 peopleCredit: UKNIP

Police formed defensive lines as the chaos unfoldedCredit: PA

A heavy police presence remained active in the area into the eveningCredit: PA

Clips circulating on social media showed officers being forced to defend themselves while protesters were seen hitting police vehicles with batons.

Others armed with batons rushed down the road towards the policemen.

Amidst the chaos, the group can be seen launching missiles and throwing plastic barriers at police.

Four police officers were injured, one of whom was taken to hospital and has now been released.

Eight people were arrested for offences, including violent disorder, criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon and assaulting an ambulance worker, the Met said.

The chaos caused gridlock in the suburb after a main road near the Lighthouse Theater had to be closed.

The protest was linked to “tensions in the Eritrean community”, the force added.

Reports claimed the group had arrived to protest a meeting held inside in support of the government of the East African nation.

Helmeted officers were seen marching and forming a line after the fight broke out.

Forces stood with shields in hand after appearing to shake up the group – with around 60 protesters still behind a police cordon.

Police said this afternoon: “Officers are at the scene in Camberwell Road, SE5 where a protest is taking place with approximately 50 people gathered outside a private venue.

“Additional officers are en route to the location to assist with the demonstration.”

At around 2.30pm, the Met’s Southwark branch said: “A section 35 dispersal order was put into effect in the Camberwell Road, Southwark area until 7am.

Police officers will have the authority to remove a person from the field for up to 48 hours with the authorization of the inspector.