Fireworks and scuffles near Rome's Colosseum leave two police officers injured, three youths detained

The incident

On the evening of 1 July, a group gathered at Largo Gaetana Agnesi, the viewpoint overlooking the Colosseum, to celebrate the 21st birthday of an Egyptian man. Four batteries of fireworks were set off, drawing the attention of residents and tourists. Local police from the I Gruppo Centro Storico arrived around 21:30 to investigate the disorder.

Confrontation with police

As officers attempted to identify those present, they were surrounded by dozens of partygoers. Two officers sustained injuries and were taken to Santo Spirito hospital; their conditions are not serious. A police service vehicle was damaged during the scuffle. The police command later clarified that no theft of the vehicle occurred: an officer in plain clothes moved the car to safety.

It's a pattern that repeats itself every time. They arrive at Largo Agnesi from the Termini station area, using scooters or the metro B Colosseo stop. From here they move to other parts of the centre and return at the end of the evening.

Detentions and charges

Three individuals were detained, including the 21-year-old whose birthday sparked the gathering. His residence permit had expired, though he claimed to have applied for renewal; he lives with friends in Pomezia. A second Egyptian man, born in 2007, was arrested for violence and resisting a public official, and also charged with dangerous ignition of fireworks and damage. A third person was reported at liberty for similar offences. About 40 others fled before or during the arrival of reinforcements from the state police and carabinieri.

A recurring problem

The group is part of a wider phenomenon of so-called "maranza", young men, often of North African origin, some unaccompanied minors living in care homes, who congregate in the area. Captain Fulcheri noted that the gatherings are organised via social media and that the area sees two police interventions per night. Videos shot by tourists showed the chaos and circulated widely on social media.

Next steps

Investigations are ongoing to identify all participants. Possible charges include resisting a public official, criminal damage, and bodily harm. The police are reviewing video footage from the scene. Local politicians have called for increased security measures, with some residents demanding a curfew for the area.