Windows smashed at Lashings Bar in Maidstone after England's Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy
15:03, 12 July 2021
updated: 12:44, 13 July 2021
Rampaging thugs smashed two windows at a popular sports bar after England's Euros heartbreak.
It happened just after midnight this morning at Lashings sports bar on Upper Stone Street, as England supporters took to the streets of Maidstone after their side's Euro 2020 final penalty shoot-out loss to Italy and violence broke out.
Around 300 people piled into Jubilee Square after the Three Lions' defeat on penalties to Roberto Mancini's Italy.
Police have confirmed they are reviewing the incident which took place at Lashings.
"Kent Police was called at 12.13am on Monday to a report of criminal damage in Upper Stone Street. Maidstone," a spokesman said.
"It is alleged a man kicked two windows of a premises, causing them to break.
"Police attended and, at this stage, no-one has been arrested.
"An investigation is ongoing, including reviewing CCTV."
Staff at Lashings have been approached for comment.
Late on Sunday night, people began crowding round a car which had driven down Maidstone High Street and shaking it.
Police have confirmed the wing mirrors and windscreen wipers of the vehicle have been damaged.
A red flare was also set off as people clambered over benches.
Police formed into lines in the High Street and some people could be seen confronting the officers. It took around an hour to move people away from the area and they had later put patrol vehicles in King Street, blocking anyone from driving into the High Street.
Video footage has also emerged of men trying to damage the Heart of Kent Hospice's Elmer sculptures in Week Street.
But the men were unable to move it and a Heart of Kent Hospice spokesman confirmed no damage was caused to any of their elephant sculptures.
A spokesman said: "While the result of the match isn’t what any of us wanted, we want to thank the majority of people for respecting and being kind to our Parade Elmers."
But commenting on the attempts to damage one of the Elmer sculptures, she added: "Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade is something we are very proud of at the Heart of Kent Hospice and the event has already been enjoyed by so many people since its launch in June.
"Thankfully, there wasn’t any damage to our Elmers on Sunday evening.
"We would urge everyone to please respect our Elmers which can be seen all around the town centre until August 22 as part of our free art trail.
"It’s vital that all the Elmers stay looking their best, as they will be auctioned in September to raise much-needed funds for the hospice."
Some 51 uniquely designed elephant sculptures, decorated by local and national artists, have been scattered across Maidstone forming three walks totalling around six miles in the first-ever public art trail of its kind to visit the County Town.
The event is raising money for Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
On the pitch, Manchester United's Luke Shaw gave Gareth Southgate's team the lead at Wembley early on but Leonardo Bonucci dealt a massive blow to England's hopes in the 67th minute as he equalised.
In a tense penalty shoot-out England scored two, but Italy triumphed with three.
Penalties were scored by captain Harry Kane and Harry Maguire, but Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and 19-year-old Bukayo Saka all missed. Arsenal player Saka had to be comforted by Southgate after the final whistle.
