A national march calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, was held yesterday (November 11) with protestors assembling in Hyde Park from 11 am and proceeding towards the US Embassy in Vauxhall.

More than 300,000 people are believed to have taken part in the march.

Ilford Recorder: Pro-Palestine marchers passed through Oxford Street in London on their way to the US EmbassyPro-Palestine marchers passed through Oxford Street in London on their way to the US Embassy (Image: PA Media)Met Police said that while the protest was largely non-violent, there were a handful of individuals and breakaway groups behaving in “intimidating manner”. Some are now being identified by police in relation to hate crimes.

A woman pictured holding a placard that said “No British politician should be a Friend of Israel” and has a swastika on it, is part of the hunt.

Another seen carrying a poster that depicted Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as “coconuts” is also being traced.

A group of around 150 people from the pro-Palestine demonstration were detained in Grosvenor Place for firing fireworks at the police.  Arrests were made after some of the fireworks struck officers in the face.

A dispersal order was put in place by police in some areas for anti-social behaviour.

Read More: Rishi Sunak condemns Remembrance Day disorder in London

The incident coincided with Remembrance Day event and triggered a counter-protest by right wing followers, some of whom were led by English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson.

Ilford Recorder: English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was seen leading a crowd of counter-protestors English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was seen leading a crowd of counter-protestors (Image: PA Media)Violent clashes erupted between the police and the counter-protestors in Chinatown and Westminster underground station with people chanting “England till we die”. Officers arrested 82 people in Tachbrook Street in Pimlico to prevent a breach of peace.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said in a statement that the “extreme violence from right wing protestors” towards police was “extraordinary and deeply concerning”.

He said: “They arrived early, stating they were there to protect monuments, but some were already intoxicated, aggressive and clearly looking for confrontation.

“Abuse was directed at officers protecting the Cenotaph, including chants of ‘you’re not English any more.’

“This group were largely football hooligans from across the UK and spent most of the day attacking or threatening officers who were seeking to prevent them being able to confront the main march.”

Some of the counter-protestors were stopped and searched and weapons, including a knife, a baton a knuckleduster and class A drugs were found.

Nine officers were reportedly injured during the day, two requiring hospital treatment with a fractured elbow and a suspected dislocated hip.

Ilford Recorder: Officers had a violent scuffle with counter protestors in ChinatownOfficers had a violent scuffle with counter protestors in Chinatown (Image: PA Media)AC Twist further said that they recognise the fears and concerns faced by London’s Jewish communities and the impact of hate crimes, particularly anti-Semintic offences, is just as significant.

He added: “Locating and intercepting suspects in a crowd of the size we saw today will always be challenging.

“We were further limited in our ability to do so due to the number of officers we had to deploy, from early in the day, in response to violence from the right-wing groups in central London.

“We will pursue all available lines of enquiry to identify suspects and take action even after the conclusion of protests.

“I am extremely proud of what our officers have achieved in challenging circumstances, including the many officers who came from across the country to help us keep London safe.”


Source link

Join the exciting world of cryptocurrency trading with ByBit! As a new trader, you can benefit from a $10 bonus and up to $1,000 in rewards when you register using our referral link. With ByBit’s user-friendly platform and advanced trading tools, you can take advantage of cryptocurrency volatility and potentially make significant profits. Don’t miss this opportunity – sign up now and start trading!