Police make arrests and London Fire Brigade deal with incidents during Arsenal’s parade

Police make arrests and London Fire Brigade had to deal with some incidents during Arsenal’s parade on Sunday afternoon.

The Met prepared for one of its largest policing operations of the year so far as tens of thousands of fans turned up on the streets of North London to celebrate Arsenal winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

Many fans in attendance had to be rescued from height and as confirmed in an update, as of 6pm (May 31st) there has been nine arrests.

Some Arsenal fans were seen on top of the roof of a tube station, climbing traffic lights, trees, buildings, just to get a good view.

These Arsenal fans had a nightmare at the parade today… 🫣😭 pic.twitter.com/nz7Xi0WGqw

— The Away Fans (@theawayfans) May 31, 2026

Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne, who is the London Fire Brigade strategic commander for Arsenal FC’s victory parade, said: “Arsenal’s Premier League title celebrations have been a fantastic sight and it has been great to see so many fans celebrating their club’s achievement safely.

“Throughout the afternoon, firefighters, including those strategically resourced for this huge event, have responded to several incidents within the vicinity of the parade, including leading and rescuing approximately 75 people from incidents at height. We ask people to refrain from climbing onto rooftops and other structures as celebrations continue into the evening.

“We also attended a fire at a hotel, believed to have been caused by a stray flare where we used one of our 32 metre Turntable Ladders to help extinguish the fire. Fortunately, the fire caused only a small amount of damage to the exterior of the building. Pyrotechnics are also believed to have triggered the fire alarms at several other locations in the area.

“As supporters head home, we would urge them to avoid using pyrotechnics, particularly at stations, and to keep them away from buildings and other flammable materials.”

Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) said in an update via social media: “As of 6pm we had made nine arrests across the parade footprint for offences including drunk and disorderly behaviour, drugs offences, sexual assault, and assaulting emergency workers.”

Ahead of the parade, Met Police released a statement, confirming they were preparing for one of its largest policing operations of the year so far ahead of the Arsenal Champions Parade in north London this weekend.

Over 500 officers were deployed across the event on Sunday, alongside specialist search and drone teams, to ensure the thousands of people who are expected to attend are kept safe.

The Met add that they have been “working closely with Arsenal Football Club, Islington Council, Transport for London and emergency services partners for several months to plan the event. This coordinated approach is designed to ensure the parade is safe, well organised and enjoyable for everyone attending.”

🚨 Moment as Arsenal fans breaching the local police barrier outside the Emirates Stadium. pic.twitter.com/bLGtVb6qOa

— 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫 (@Denver_AFC) May 31, 2026

Scenes From Finsbury Pk As Arsenal Celebrate.Multiple Police & Paramedics Dealing With Man On Tarmac In Underwear, Arguments, Man On Traffic Lights. pic.twitter.com/DU9g2lTaGF

— Kev London .K.media (@kevlondon4) May 31, 2026

A young boy sitting on the traffic light pole just to see his Arsenal heroes. pic.twitter.com/4XZSO4gZVQ

— Ọláwálé Kútęyì@W.O.K (@KuteyiOlawale) May 31, 2026

Commander Stuart Bell, leading the Met’s public order operation this weekend, said:

“The parade is an opportunity for Arsenal supporters to celebrate, and we want everyone attending to enjoy the day safely.

“There will be a police presence along the route throughout the event, supporting event organisers and stewarding operations. Officers will respond to incidents where necessary.

“We expect the vast majority of those attending on Sunday to do so safely and responsibly.

“However, anti-social behaviour, violence or any other type of criminality will not be tolerated. Officers will take action against anyone attempting to cause disruption or harm.”

To prevent anti-social behaviour a dispersal zone is in place from 3pm on Saturday until the end of Sunday. This gives officers the power to ask people to leave an area for 48 hours. A map of the area this covers can be found below.

Preparations for the parade will begin around the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. To support these preparations, the Met and Arsenal Football Club are asking supporters not to gather at the stadium, particularly on Saturday evening, as this could delay essential safety checks and impact the delivery of the parade the following day.

Supporters planning to attend on Sunday are advised to plan their journey in advance, follow guidance, and listen to instructions from stewards and officers on the day.

The parade begins at 2pm and is expected to last around two hours. The parade follows a circular route. There will not be a trophy lift along the route as the buses will move continuously.

Emirates Stadium, Drayton Park and the surrounding roads will be closed throughout the parade and will not be accessible to the public.

Supporters are encouraged not to congregate around the stadium area, Hornsey Road, Benwell Road, or Drayton Park as you will not see the parade from these locations.

Further information, including details of the route and local road closures, can be found on the Arsenal website.

The parade takes place alongside several other major events across London this weekend, including the FA Cup Women’s Final at Wembley on Sunday.