Eight people were held by police in the city as people ventured out for the first unrestricted London New Year’s Eve event in three years.
There were six restricted zones on either side of the Thames that were designated for more than 100,000 holders of £15 tickets to see the annual fireworks display, which went on sale in October.
Thousands bought tickets but trouble started at around 11.15pm when a group without any, forced entry past hoardings and fences.
Police had supported stewards as they tried to prevent crowds getting into the ticketed area, to keep those already inside safe. The Met said some offices had to draw batons when a determined group became aggressive.
In addition to trouble at the fireworks, there were eight arrests in central London.
These included two for being drunk and disorderly, and one each for drink driving, possession of an offensive weapon, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and possession of cannabis, and assault on an emergency worker and handling stolen goods.
The force reported an arrest for sexual assault, with the suspect being a 31-year-old who was wanted for five alleged indecent assaults against women.
Fireworks included tributes to Queen Elizabeth who passed away in 2022 and to England’s Lionesses.
