The Met Police say 26 officers were injured following disorder during today’s central London protests.
The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, which saw crowds estimated between 110,000 and 150,000 people, significantly exceeded the organiser’s numbers. Police said there was not enough space in Whitehall and Parliament Square, with people spilling over onto Westminster Bridge, Bridge Street and nearby areas.
Some protesters diverted towards Victoria Embankment but others ignored police directions, moving into Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall Place, Northumberland Avenue and Craven Street, where disorder broke out.
Officers said they were assaulted with “kicks and punches” and had bottles, flares and other projectiles thrown at them. Protective equipment, shields, horses and dogs were used to keep groups apart.
As of 7:30pm, 25 arrests had been made for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Officers went into today’s operation knowing it would be busy and potentially challenging. They policed without fear or favour and approached engagement with all protesters positively.
“There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.
“The violence they faced was wholly unacceptable. 26 officers were injured, including four seriously – among them broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury.
“The 25 arrests we have made so far is just the start. Our post-event investigation has already begun – we are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks.
“I am hugely grateful to the officers who were deployed in central London today, to those on duty in all 32 boroughs responding to 999 calls and to the more than 500 colleagues from forces across England and Wales who stood alongside us in some very challenging circumstances.”
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