Four arrested and six police injured in Forest Gate protest over Edson death
There were tense scenes outside Stratford town hall earlier between police and protestors. Picture: Kat Hopps - Credit: Archant
Four people were arrested following last night’s protest in east London outside Forest Gate police station over the death of a young father who died after police stopped the car he was in.
Edson died in hospital. Picture: Submitted - Credit: Archant
Demonstrations began yesterday afternoon over the death in hospital of 25-year-old Edir Da Costa, known as Edson, following a police stop on June 15 during which officers used force and CS gas.
His death is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
The Met’s Newham Borough commander, Acting Chief Superintendent Ian Larnder, spoke to protesters to calm the crowd.
The protest moved on to Stratford, but returned to Forest Gate, where several objects were said to have been hurled at police.
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Six officers were injured. Four were taken to hospital,including a police sergeant with face injuries and a woman constable with head injuries, Scotland Yard said today. .
Two police cars were also damaged and several street litter bins were set alight.
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Some protesters dispersed into smaller groups around 11pm after the main crowd had disbursed and officers had more missiles thrown at them. Most protesters had dispersed by 3am.
One person was arrested on suspicion of disorder offences, three others on suspicion of arson and criminal damage. All four were later in custody.
Friends and supporters Edson’s family from East Ham had earlier waved ‘Black Lives Matter’ placards and shouted “Justice for Edson” during a protest march from the police station along Romford Road to Stratford.
Edson’s family have questioned the use of force. His cousin Jay Gomes, 23, told the Recorder at the protest that he had suffered a broken neck and brain damage.
But the Police Complaints Commission has denied the claim and is looking into the use of force used by officers.
