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VIDEO: Riot police called to bottle-throwing brawl between racegoers at Epsom Derby
By Andrea Downey
The glitz and glamour of the famous Epsom Derby was marred with scenes of violence yesterday when riot police clashed with drunken racegoers, leaving one officer with a tooth knocked out.
Around 35,000 race-goers and socialites attended the two-day festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse, with most enjoying a safe and entertaining day at the prestigious event.
But officers were seen forcing their way through crowds to a group that appeared to be fighting.
Images showed bottles being thrown as terrified innocent bystanders sprinted away from those involved in the brawl.
@conorravo pic.twitter.com/HB0nTlI3hK
— Michael Holden (@MHolden90) June 4, 2016
Surrey police said they dealt with "a number of incidents" at yesterday's event, attended by the Queen.
A statement on the Surrey police website said an officer was taken to hospital and treated for facial injuries after his tooth was knocked out in the brawl.
Two people were injured during the fight, including an 18-year-old man who was treated for head injuries at the scene.
Eleven arrests were made following the incident.
A 20-year-old man from Caterham has been arrested on suspicion of assault.
A 19-year old man from Caterham has been arrested on suspicion of affray.
A 19-year-old man from Reigate has been arrested for affray.
A 36-year-old man from Croydon has been arrested on suspicion of affray and on suspicion of being in possession of Class B drugs.
A 15-year-old boy from London has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and on suspicion of possession of cannabis.
An 18-year-old man from Sutton has been arrested on suspicion of affray.
And two 18-year-old men, two 17-year-old boys and one 16-year-old boy from Epsom have been arrested on suspicion of affray.
They remained in custody this afternoon (June 5) and police enquries are continuing.
#EpsomDerby has spot of serious violence last night disappointingly one officer at least injured but luckily under control early
— S/Sgt Sam 6601 (@sc6601) June 5, 2016
Temporary Chief Superintendent Jerry Westerman said: "The Investec Derby Festival is a hugely popular event attracting many thousands of people from both the local area and wider afield.
"The majority of visitors come to have a good time and enjoy themselves and it is a small minority who cause trouble and spoil the atmosphere.
"Surrey Police will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and anyone who can assist officers with their investigation is urged to do the right thing and come forward.
"I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have captured it on camera to contact police - any information could help officers piece together the events and bring those responsible to justice."
Violent clashes aside, the event which is Britain's richest horse race because it has a £1.5million prize fund, was smooth sailing – apart the occasional tipsy stumble and singed eyebrows caused by misplaced lighter flames.
The famous race was won by Harzand, who held off the challenge from favourite US Army Ranger and Idaho.
Dermot Weld's three-year-old, who overcame a late injury scare, was a 13-2 shot for the race and was ridden by Pat Smullen.
Anyone with information on the fight is asked to call police on 101.
Check back to yourlocalguardian.co.uk this week for fashions of the field at the Epsom Derby.
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