Hordes of people stormed through barriers to enter London's New Year fireworks display as witnesses slammed the lawlessness.
Swathes of people tore down barriers on Victoria Street and forced their way past officers approximately an hour before the main display at Embankment.
Security staff in high-visibility jackets attempted to calm the restless crowds who were pressed against the barriers.
Their efforts proved unsuccessful as hordes of people managed to push past police officers, rushing towards the riverside viewing areas.
The chaotic scenes echo similar incidents from last year's celebrations, when groups of people without tickets forced their way through barriers at multiple points across central London, including Westminster Bridge.
The Metropolitan Police had warned earlier that anyone attempting to force entry into the ticketed event could face arrest and prosecution.
"Regrettably in recent years we have seen an increase in incidents where a minority have tried to illegally force entry into ticketed events, putting everyone's safety at risk," said the commander leading the NYE policing operation.
Witnesses described the scenes as "lawless London" to The Sun, reporting that people showed "no regard for safety".
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The unauthorised entry attempts occurred despite clear warnings from authorities about potential legal consequences for those attempting to breach security measures.
Despite the security disruptions, the display itself proved a success, featuring innovative technology never before seen at London's New Year celebrations.
The show introduced world-first hologauze animations, creating holographic illusions alongside the traditional fireworks display.
Special projections included the London Eye filled with the Union flag, commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
A highlight was Paddington Bear's appearance, delighting crowds with a holographic cameo within the London Eye structure.
The display also celebrated Team GB's achievements at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics through animated Olympic medals.
More than 12,000 fireworks and 420 lights illuminated the sky around the London Eye, set against a carefully curated soundtrack.
The show concluded with Paddington's message: "In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in. Happy New Year."
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Swathes of people tore down barriers on Victoria Street and forced their way past officers approximately an hour before the main display at Embankment.
Security staff in high-visibility jackets attempted to calm the restless crowds who were pressed against the barriers.
Their efforts proved unsuccessful as hordes of people managed to push past police officers, rushing towards the riverside viewing areas.
The chaotic scenes echo similar incidents from last year's celebrations, when groups of people without tickets forced their way through barriers at multiple points across central London, including Westminster Bridge.
The Metropolitan Police had warned earlier that anyone attempting to force entry into the ticketed event could face arrest and prosecution.
"Regrettably in recent years we have seen an increase in incidents where a minority have tried to illegally force entry into ticketed events, putting everyone's safety at risk," said the commander leading the NYE policing operation.
Witnesses described the scenes as "lawless London" to The Sun, reporting that people showed "no regard for safety".
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The unauthorised entry attempts occurred despite clear warnings from authorities about potential legal consequences for those attempting to breach security measures.
Despite the security disruptions, the display itself proved a success, featuring innovative technology never before seen at London's New Year celebrations.
The show introduced world-first hologauze animations, creating holographic illusions alongside the traditional fireworks display.
Special projections included the London Eye filled with the Union flag, commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
A highlight was Paddington Bear's appearance, delighting crowds with a holographic cameo within the London Eye structure.
The display also celebrated Team GB's achievements at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics through animated Olympic medals.
More than 12,000 fireworks and 420 lights illuminated the sky around the London Eye, set against a carefully curated soundtrack.
The show concluded with Paddington's message: "In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in. Happy New Year."
Find Out More...