Lone Argentina fan rescued by police ‘bubble’ in central London post-match crowd

Police in central London stepped in to rescue a lone Argentina fan as supporters left pubs and bars following England’s World Cup semi-final heartbreak. Picture: AP Photo/Mike Stewart.

Police in central London stepped in to rescue a lone Argentina fan as supporters left pubs and bars following England’s World Cup semi-final heartbreak.

Footage posted on social media showed officers ushering the fan, wearing an Argentina shirt, into a van near hundreds of people hurling abuse, with many filming the incident on mobile phones.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “As crowds were dispersing after the match, officers on duty in Piccadilly Circus became aware of a lone Argentina fan who was being surrounded by England fans.

“They intervened before any harm could come to him, formed a bubble around him and escorted him to the safety of a nearby police van.” Elsewhere in central London officers made seven arrests following England’s World Cup exit, including one on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The Met said the remaining arrests saw four people detained for affray, one for assaulting an emergency worker and one for racially aggravated assault.

Several police force areas around England said they had experienced similar call-out levels to other recent weekday evenings.

West Midlands Ambulance Service, which serves around six million people living across six counties, said it had experienced no significant increase in call numbers during the match or the hours afterwards, compared with the previous Wednesday.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service thanked people living in the region for acting safely and responsibly.

The spokesperson said: “Despite the match attracting huge interest, demand on our service did not see a significant increase when compared to the previous Wednesday, which is reassuring to see.

“Major sporting events can sometimes lead to an increase in 999 calls, particularly where alcohol or celebrations are involved, so it’s encouraging that people used our service wisely.

“Our staff were on duty throughout the evening, ready to respond to those who needed us, and we’d like to thank the public for helping us keep ambulances available for the most seriously ill and injured patients.”