Violent clashes during a Palestine solidarity protest in London resulted in approximately 150 arrests, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Authorities reported that some demonstrators were physically and verbally abusive, in what police described as a “coordinated attempt to obstruct officers in their duties.” Several arrests were made for assault.
During the protest in Westminster, police were seen using batons as some protesters supported a banned terrorist organization, Sky News reported.
Scenes of tension unfolded in the western part of the park, with reports of a man bleeding from the face following arrest, while the crowd shouted slogans such as “shame on you” and “you support genocide.” Some demonstrators were knocked down amid scuffles, and water was thrown at officers.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the first arrests just 12 minutes after the protest officially began at Parliament Square.
Later updates noted that pro-Palestine protesters marched against counter-protesters, with officers deployed to keep the groups separated.
