Two protestors have been arrested after jumping barriers and throwing paint during the London Marathon this morning (April 27).
The incident occurred at around 10.38am on Tower Bridge, one of the most iconic points along the marathon route. According to the Metropolitan Police, the protestors are believed to be linked to the group Youth Demand.
A member of London Marathon event staff, stationed on the bridge, quickly intervened to remove the individuals from the path of the approaching men’s elite race runners. Thanks to the rapid response, the race continued without obstruction.
Both protestors were arrested by Metropolitan Police officers on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. They remain in custody at this time.
The paint thrown onto the bridge was described as chalk-based and is not expected to present a hazard to runners still making their way across Tower Bridge later today.
In a statement, a Met Police spokesperson said:
“At around 10:38hrs, two protesters from Youth Demand jumped over barriers at Tower Bridge and threw red paint onto the road. A member of London Marathon event staff intervened to remove the protesters from the path of the men’s elite race which was able to pass unobstructed moments later. He was quickly supported by police officers who arrested the protesters on suspicion of causing a public nuisance. They remain in custody. The paint appears to be chalk-based and is not expected to present a hazard to runners yet to pass this point.”
The London Marathon continues throughout today, with tens of thousands of runners and spectators participating in one of the UK’s largest annual sporting events. Organisers have confirmed that the
