Police hunt five people following violence at Camberwell theatre protest that left four officers injured

Detectives are searching for five people after a protest at a theatre in Camberwell descended into “some of the worst” violence police had seen.

More than 100 people, some armed with sticks and missiles, attacked the Lighthouse Theatre during an Eritrean demonstration on December 30.

So far 44 people have been arrested for offences relating to the demonstration.

Four police officers were injured during the protest, with some suffering concussions and requiring hospital treatment.

At the time of the demonstration Scotland Yard said protesters clashed with police after a demonstration related to “tensions in the Eritrean community”.

Social media footage of the incident in Camberwell appeared to show protesters wielding sticks clashing with Met Police officers, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Additional officers were called in to provide back-up, Scotland Yard said.

Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas, who is leading the investigation, said: “The level of violence used against officers, who were there to keep the public safe and protect people in a theatre, is some of the worst I have seen.

“We have so far arrested 44 people for a number of offences relating to this demonstration and continue to make progress, however, there are still outstanding a number of suspects that we need the public’s help to identify.”

Anyone with information is asked to email or call the police on 020 8246 9386 to talk with a detective. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously and quote Operation Wickies.