Video captures moment Hyde Park turns into 'warzone' as crowds attack police with bottles
SNAPCHAT videos have captured the moments before a large water fight in London turned into a "riot" as people started attacking police officers.
People throwing bottles at police vans after Hyde Park water fight
The shocking footage shows some of the crowd near the famous Serpentine lake in Hyde Park turning violent as they threw bottles at officers driving through the crowd.
Police reinforcements were called to the Royal Park on Tuesday afternoon as the mood of the large crowd – which had gathered for the spontaneous water fight – turned ugly on the hottest day of the year.
Arriving on the scene from around 3pm officers attempted to keep the situation calm as revellers turned up for the Bashment music event organised on social media.
Snapchat videos have revealed the ominous mood in Hyde Park as police were attacked
The Snapchat clips show the chaos which erupted in the park as police attempted to break up the masses, with displeased revellers turned on the officers.
As police sprang into action to protect themselves, the crowd launched attacks by throwing bottles at police vehicles, with witnesses describing the incident as a “war zone”.
Three people, including a police officer, were rushed to hospital after being stabbed, with another officer also being injured by a bottle.
The crowds turned on police as they threw bottles at the riot vans
The 'riot' erupted after a large water fight was organised in Hyde Park
Two police officers suffered injuries; one stabbed and one from a bottle
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Police in Westminster were in attendance at Hyde Park by the Serpentine from 3pm after a large number of people gathered for a spontaneous 'water fight'.
"At around 8.40pm parts of the increasingly large crowd become hostile to police and items - including bottles - were thrown towards officers.
"Two police officers suffered injuries; one stabbed and one from a bottle. Both have been taken to hospital for treatment. Their injuries are described as not life threatening.
"Police are aware of two other people suffering stab wounds. Both have been taken to hospital, and officers await an update on their conditions."
Three people, including a police officer, were stabbed in Hyde Park last night
Shocked revellers have taken to Twitter to express their dismay at the event.
One user "Baz" tweeted: "#HydePark nobody forced you to tool up. Nobody forced you to attack the police. Be a bloody adult and walk away when you see trouble."
One woman tweeted: "Good evening to everyone except those who were involved in the motiveless, opportunistic disruptions in Hyde Park today."