Police clash with mob over Albanian Independence Day celebrations

by · Mail Online

Thousands of jubilant Albanians wrapped in their country's flag brought traffic in central London to a standstill last night as they marked the nation's independence day.

The streets around Westminster were blocked by raucous crowds waving the nation's red and black flags, with Audis, Mercedes and convertible sports cars honking their horns.

Some people were seen waving flags while standing through the sunroofs of moving vehicles, while regular traffic trying to get through the capital was brought to a halt after the rally caused roads to be closed.

Shortly after 9pm, Metropolitan Police issued a Section 35 Dispersal Order and gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area.

No arrests had been reported as yet from tonight's activity. 

Footage from the scene showed participants chanting in unison as hundreds gathered around a red car emblazoned with the double-headed eagle emblem featuring on the national flag.

Half a dozen police officers can be seen circling around the car, which has been parked illegally close to Trafalgar Square.

In a second video, officers can be seen directing a swarm of pedestrians around the chaos as a throng of cars can be heard revving their engines, alongside whistles and jeers.

Thousands of jubilant Albanians wrapped in their country's flag brought traffic in central London to a standstill and prompted a large police presence last night as they marked the nation's independence day
Footage from the scene showed participants chanting in unison as hundreds gathered around a red car emblazoned with the double-headed eagle emblem featuring on the national flag
Some people were seen waving flags while standing through the sunroofs of moving vehicles

The disorder is heightened in a third video showing hundreds inside Trafalgar Square amid the noise of sirens and flashing blue lights as multiple police units arrive to the location. 

Other footage shows cars bumper to bumper around the perimeter of the London landmark as drivers hoot their horns and wave their flags.

Dozens of cars not involved in the celebration are nevertheless halted from travelling any further.

The rowdy scenes are becoming an annual tradition as the UK's Albanian community come together to mark their nation's independence, which is commemorated on November 28 each year.

The small European nation became independent on that date in 1912, 112 years ago.

According to the 2021 UK Census 67,957 people who were born in Albania are recorded as living in England, with 715 people in Wales and 142 people in Northern Ireland.

However, a House of Commons Committee report estimates the figure is closer to around 140,000 Albanians living in the UK. 

The streets around Westminster were blocked by raucous crowds waving the nation's red and black flags, with Audis, Mercedes and convertible sports cars honking their horns
Shortly after 9pm, Metropolitan Police issued a Section 35 Dispersal Order around Westminster
The order will remain in place until 1am and gives officers the power to order a person to leave the area
Police line up to form a barricade in an attempt to clear the road of the Albanian revellers 
The rowdy scenes are becoming an annual tradition as the UK's Albanian community come together to mark their nation's independence, which is commemorated on November 28
The small European nation became independent on November 28, 1912, 112 years ago
Participants in a dark-coloured Mercedes display the flag of Albania in Westminster last night
A House of Commons Committee report estimates around 140,000 Albanians are living in the UK
One reveller stands up through the sun roof of their car and displays an Albanian flag