Euro 2020: England fans pour into London with scenes of litter and smashed windows in Leicester Square

Police have appealed for fans to ‘keep themselves safe’

Tens of thousands of England fans poured into London ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 final with Italy at Wembley — with some smashing windows and setting off flares in Leicester Square.

Major squares in the West End were crowded with supporters carrying alcohol, some of whom have climbed lamp-posts and bus shelters.

King’s Cross station was briefly evacuated because of smoke from flares, while fans climbed on top of a bus near Wembley.

“We’d urge everyone to keep themselves safe and look out for each other,” Metropolitan Police tweeted. “We’ve seen people jumping off street lamps or hoardings, this could easily end in injury.”

Fans outside Kings Cross station

(PA)

Some fans threw bottles and other objects at fellow supporters in Leicester Square.

Another fan who climbed atop an awning on Charing Cross Road climbed back down after being hit with objects from the crowd.

However, most were simply enjoying the pre-match atmosphere.

Josef Alley said: “I’ve never had this experience before. It doesn’t matter where in the country you’re from, as long as we’re here cheering on England.

England fans thronged Leicester Square in central London before the Euro 2020 final at Wembley

(Liam James/The Independent)

“What could be better than this? England, playing in London, at Wembley, at the finals.”

His friend, Abu Nasir, said: “Seeing crowds like this, this thing only happens around football. It feels like nothing else.”

Libby Osmond, 20, from Guildford, told PA: “The atmosphere has been insane and absolutely beyond what we imagined. There are loads of people here. I’ve never seen London like this before. The ambience is so good.

England fans let off flares in Leicester Square in central London ahead of the Euro 2020 final against Italy

(Liam James/The Independent)

Ms Osmond was helping a fellow supporter to paint a St George’s flag on his cheek.

Abbie Spencer, 21, also from Guildford, said: “We’re going to be over the moon if we win, and celebrate. Thankfully we have no work tomorrow.”