Police Hunt 15 Drivers Over Chaos on A13 Palestine Convoy
Officers are urgently hunting 15 individuals linked to a disruptive pro-Palestinian convoy that wreaked havoc on the A13 and through the Limehouse Link Tunnel on Saturday night. The Metropolitan Police have released images of suspects believed to be involved, appealing to the public for help.
Convoy Causes Traffic Nightmare in London
The drama started around 10:15pm when police spotted a convoy of cars flying Palestinian flags heading into central London. The cars reportedly set off from a Tower Hamlets car park on Hancock Road. Police scrambled road units, public order teams, and even a helicopter to intercept the group.
The convoy was finally stopped on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, where officers slapped a dispersal order on the 80 vehicles involved. Drivers were warned to pack up and leave immediately or face having their cars seized.
Fines, Vehicle Seizures, and Safety Crackdowns
- One vehicle was seized outright.
- 18 drivers handed fixed penalty notices for traffic offences.
- 9 cars hit with prohibition notices due to dangerous defects.
Police investigations revealed the convoy made two disruptive stops on major routes, including the A13 and Limehouse Link Tunnel, causing serious delays and safety risks for other motorists.
Police Step Up Efforts to ID Offenders
Using social media and footage collected from the scene, officers are piecing together who was involved in offences along the convoy’s route. Images of suspects have been published to prompt public recognition.
T/Commander Karen Findlay, leading the operation, warned of previous convoys stirring tension with flag-waving and anti-Semitic abuse in Jewish areas. “These actions cause alarm, fear and distress,” she said.
Findlay reassured the public that swift police intervention prevented the convoy from entering sensitive neighbourhoods where it might provoke further intimidation. She urged anyone with info to come forward.
“The public have been a great help in recent weeks when similar appeals have been made, and I have no doubt they’ll continue to do the same,” she added.
Anyone who can identify the suspects is asked to call 101, quoting reference 4237915/23 and using the unique image numbers. Alternatively, tips can be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
