London’s Metropolitan Police said that at least 126 people were arrested in London following a large pro-Palestinian demonstration.
Police also intercepted people trued in launching fireworks toward the end of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PCS) march. Some of the fireworks struck officers in the face.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said in a statement said that march 300,000 people.
As per British media reports, protesters tried to storm a war memorial, the Cenotaph, on Armistice Day.
The English Defense League (EDL) is a far-right group founded by Tommy Robinson who, according to Robinson’s account on X, was at the Cenotaph to pay his respects.
"The extreme violence from the right wing protesters towards the police today was extraordinary and deeply concerning," Twist wrote.
Today's policing operation is now drawing to a close.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 11, 2023
Officers worked tirelessly to keep London safe, making at least 126 arrests in the face of significant violence. Sadly, nine officers were injured.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist's statement gives an overview of events.
9 officers were injured while confronting the violent crowd
Nine officers were injured while confronting the violent crowd getting to the Cenotaph while a remembrance service was taking place, Twist explained.
Several officers are still deployed across central London in case of anymore "outbreaks of disorder," Twist concluded.
Rishi Sunak condemns violent scenes
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the violent scenes in London on Saturday in a statement posted to social media.
“I condemn the violent, wholly unacceptable scenes we have seen today from the EDL and associated groups and Hamas sympathisers attending the National March for Palestine. The despicable actions of a minority of people undermine those who have chosen to express their views peacefully,” said Sunak.
“All criminality must be met with the full and swift force of the law. That is what I told the Met Police Commissioner on Wednesday, that is what they are accountable for and that is what I expect,” Sunak continued in his statement, adding that he will be meeting the Met Police Commissioner in the coming days.
