More than 100 arrested in London during violent protest
More than 100 arrests were made during a planned protest on Whitehall on Wednesday (July 31) in response to the Southport stabbings, with police officers attacked and subjected to assault, abuse and violent disorder.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said it was “shameful” that some sought to exploit the tragedy in Southport as justification for their own violence and criminality.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said: “Bottles, flares, and other objects were thrown at officers. One of our colleagues was punched in the chest and another kicked multiple times, both received injuries.
“[In total] 111 arrests were made for offences including violent disorder, assaults on police officers, possession of knives and offensive weapons and breach of protest conditions.
“A dedicated team of officers are currently working to bring charges against those responsible.”
Ahead of the planned protest badged as ‘Enough is Enough’ on Whitehall from 7pm, the MPS said it imposed “a number of conditions using Public Order Act powers, including on location of the protest and finish time”.
“It became clear very early in the evening that many of those attending had no intention of acting peacefully or cooperating with officers,” it added.
Mr Twist: “Last night our officers faced unacceptable scenes of disorder and violence, as others across the country have done in recent days.
“They acted with great courage and the highest levels of professionalism in the face of hateful behaviour.
“All our thoughts should be with the victims and families of those impacted by the most dreadful attack in Southport. It is shameful that some have sought to exploit this tragedy as justification for their own violence and criminality.
“There is absolutely no place for this on our streets. We will ensure that anyone involved in any violent disorder and criminal behaviour will be stopped, arrested and will face justice.”
Speaking ahead of the protest, Superintendent Neil Holyoak, who was leading the policing operation, said: “Following the tragic events in Southport, it is understandable the public have strong feelings about this shocking incident – but the subsequent violent, unlawful disorder that unfolded was completely unacceptable and driven by misinformation.
“Everyone has a right to protest and we continue to balance the right to lawful protest with everyone’s right to go about their lives without fear or serious disruption – which is why we have put conditions in place and deployed more officers across London.”
Supt Holyoak said they had spoken to the protest organisers as well as local community groups, businesses and religious leaders, in particular the Muslim community which had been impacted by this week’s disorder in Southport.