26 officers injured in ‘wholly unacceptable’ disorder at central London protest
Twenty-six officers were injured, four seriously, during “wholly unacceptable” violence at a central London protest on Saturday.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said 25 arrests have been made so far for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage.
Officers were kicked and punched and had bottles, flares and other projectiles thrown at them, the MPS said.
The force said a number of those who were part of the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest “became involved in disorder in multiple locations”.
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.”
He said the 25 arrests made so far was 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,” said Mr Twist.
The MPS said it estimates the attendance at the event to have been between 110,000 to 150,000, significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers.
“There was insufficient space to fit them all in Whitehall and Parliament Square, with crowds backing up onto Bridge Street and Westminster Bridge,” the force said.
“A number of people turned off onto Victoria Embankment to get out of the crowds which was understandable.
“However, we then saw large crowds ignore police directions, turning left up Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall Place, Northumberland Avenue and Craven Street in an effort to get into Whitehall, including into sterile areas and areas occupied by those taking part in the Stand Up To Racism protest.
“When officers intervened to block their path they were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were also thrown and concerted attempts to get past barriers were made.
“Officers had to put on full protective equipment and in a number of places had to use shields. Horses and dogs were also used to keep the Unite the Kingdom protesters away from opposing groups.”
In addition to the violence directed at officers, the MPS said people scaled fencing and scaffolding around Whitehall, “climbing to height putting themselves and others in danger”.
Mr Twist added: “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.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on X: “The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to this nation. I thank the police who worked hard to ensure much of today’s protest was peaceful.
“But I condemn those who have attacked and injured police officers. Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added: “People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values.
“But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.”