The Metropolitan Police say Moremore than 425 people were arrested by 9pm during a major protest policing operation across the capital on Saturday due to the London protest leading to 425 arrests.
According to the Met, most arrests were for suspected offences under the Terrorism Act related to alleged support for a proscribed organisation. officers also made 25+ arrests for alleged assaults on police and other public order offences after some protesters punched, kicked and spat at officers and threw objects.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart, who led the operation, said around 2,500 officers were deployed citywide. The force said a separate england/palestine/”>Palestine Coalition march of ~20,000 people passed with few arrests, but alleged that a protest organised by Defend Our Juries saw tactics intended to “overwhelm the justice system,” requiring significant resources. Indeed, during the London protest with 425 arrests, policing resources were stretched.
The Met said it has “ample custody capacity” and detainees are being processed at temporary prisoner hubs in Westminster. While police activity related to the protests continues overnight, the Met said a further update will follow on Sunday.
What we know
- Arrests: 425+ by 21:00, Met says. This tally reflects the London protest that led to 425 arrests on Saturday.
- Alleged offences: Majority for suspected Terrorism Act breaches; 25+ for assaults on police/public order
- Deployment: ~2,500 officers across London
- Crowd sizes: Palestine Coalition Marchmarch ~20,000; separate protest drew significant policing response
- Next steps: Processing ongoing; further Met update expected Sunday
Note: Allegations and figures above are as stated by the Metropolitan Police. Charges and legal outcomes are yet to be determined.
www.uknip.co.uk/where/united-kingdom/england/city-of-westminster
