On Saturday, a protest in england/Waleswales/Centralcentral-wales/”>central London turned violent, resulting in 26 Metropolitan Police officers being injured. The police operation is now drawing to a close following a day marked by disorder and aggression towards officers.
Protest Attendance and Initial Calm
The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest began largely peacefully, with attendance estimates ranging from 110,000 to 150,000, far exceeding the organisers’ predictions.
The sheer number of attendees led to overcrowding in whitehall-england/”>Whitehall and Parliament Square, with crowds spilling onto Bridge Street and Westminster Bridge.
Nine arrests and more to come as police attacked at ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally
Escalation of Disorder
As the event progressed, some individuals ignored police directions, diverting onto Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall Place, Northumberland Avenue, and Craven Street in an attempt to enter restricted areas, including zones occupied by participants of the Stand Up To Racism protest. When police intervened, they faced physical assaults, including kicks and punches.
Tensions Rise as Protesters Clash with Police in London
Police Response and Injuries
Officers were forced to don full protective gear and utilise shields amid the chaos. Additionally, horses and dogs were deployed to separate the opposing groups. Many protesters climbed fences and scaffolding, endangering themselves and others.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
As of 7.30pm, authorities reported 25 arrests for offences that included affray, violent disorder, assaults, and criminal damage. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist stated, “There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence.”
Twist also highlighted the severity of injuries sustained by officers, which included broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, and a head injury. The police investigation into the disorder is underway, and those identified will face robust action in the coming days.
Twist expressed gratitude to all officers involved in the operation and those responding to emergency calls across the capital.
