Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist of the Metropolitan Police has released a statement regarding the significant policing operation underway in London today, amidst heightened tensions and violent incidents. The operation, set against the backdrop of the Middle East conflict, Armistice Day, and intense debate over protest and policing, has been particularly challenging.
Twist described the extreme violence exhibited by right-wing protestors as extraordinary and deeply concerning. Many, purportedly there to protect monuments, displayed early signs of aggression and intoxication. Disturbingly, some protestors directed abuse at officers guarding the Cenotaph, including chants questioning their English identity.
Identified largely as football hooligans from across the UK, these groups focused on attacking or threatening officers who were trying to prevent them from confronting the main march. Police searches of these individuals uncovered weapons like knives, batons, knuckledusters, and class A drugs.
Despite these challenges, the efforts of the police officers ensured that no one could reach the Cenotaph, which was protected throughout the day. However, the operation saw nine officers injured, two of whom required hospital treatment for a fractured elbow and a suspected dislocated hip. These injuries occurred on Whitehall while officers were stopping a violent crowd from reaching the Cenotaph during a remembrance service.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) march, while not physically violent, raised concerns regarding anti-Semitism and hate crimes, particularly impacting London’s Jewish communities. At the end of the PSC march, breakaway groups, again displaying intimidating behaviour, were intercepted by officers. Fireworks were fired, striking officers in the face, and leading to several arrests.
Serious offences related to hate crimes and support for proscribed organizations during the protest are actively being investigated. The large crowd size and the need to respond to right-wing violence limited the police’s ability to identify and intercept suspects.
Assistant Commissioner Twist announced that images of suspected offenders would soon be published, promising continued investigations and actions against those involved, even after the protests conclude.
Currently, many officers remain deployed across central London, managing any further disorder and securing key sites for upcoming remembrance events. Additionally, officers are processing the 126 arrests made so far.
Twist expressed immense pride in the achievements of the officers under challenging circumstances, including those who travelled from across the country to assist in maintaining safety in London.
