A total of 18 men have now been arrested after violent disturbances at last month’s Epsom Derby led to a police officer’s tooth being knocked out.

The famous horse racing festival was marred by violence on Saturday, June 4, when riot police clashed with bottle-throwing members of the public.

An 18-year-old man also received cuts to his head and face during the brawl.

Surrey Police have assigned a team of officers to the sole task of finding those responsible for the upheaval, and have launched an investigation under the name ‘Operation Attic’.

Detective Sergeant Errol Chetty said: “The Investec Derby Festival is a hugely popular event attracting thousands of race-goers locally and nationally every year. While the majority of people enjoyed a successful event with no crime, it is a shame that a minority of people sought to break the law and cause disruption to an otherwise extremely successful event.

“We will not tolerate behaviour like this and are determined to identify and bring those responsible to justice.

“I am urging anybody who witnessed the incident or with any information at all to contact us immediately.”

Seven arrests have been made over the last two weeks, bringing the arrest total up to eighteen men. All of the men arrested so far remain on police bail.

The most recent arrests are:

  • A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, robbery and violent disorder.
  • A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and robbery
  • A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, robbery and possession of a class A drug with intent to supply
  • Another 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and assault
  • A third 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and violent disorder
  • An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, robbery, violent disorder and possession of cannabis
  • Finally, a 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, robbery and violent disorder.

Any witnesses, anyone with photographs or videos of what happened, or anyone with any other information is asked to contact the Operation Attic team on 01483 639592.

Alternatively, you can report it online at https://report.police.uk/ and enter ‘Op Attic' in the ‘Additional information' section.