Police in Canadian city battle 'mob' at St. Patrick's Day riots

London - Police in London, Ontario had to deal with 'mob mentality" when St. Patrick's Day celebrations turned ugly in the streets. Over 1,000 people hit the streets, many overturning and burning vehicles and battling London's police force.

"There were a number of individuals burned last night. The severity of this mob mentality could easily have resulted in death," London Police Chief Brad Duncan told the CBC. "Every one of our members in attendance was assaulted. They were literally attacked with full bottles of beer and liquor, bricks, wood planks, two-by-fours, debris, tires, rims and other various items. In addition, members of the crowd used laser pointers aimed at our officers eyes to try to disrupt our response." "Mob Mentality": over 1,000 in London's streets Duncan referred to them as a mob and said that there were 1,000 or more. Of the 11 arrested to date - they are seeking others to question - at least 7 appear to have come from the nearby Fanshawe College, where, police believe, partying got out of hand. At the news conference where he spoke on Sunday morning, March 18, Duncan said that were it not for the action of his officers nearby homes might have been vandalized. He said they were still clearing the area and an overturned TV news truck could be seen burning on a street caught up in the rioting. The police chief said that others who were part of the vandalism and violence should "do the right thing" and turn themselves in. It appears to be the worst random violence in the streets of Canada since the Stanley Cup riots in Vancouver in June of 2011.