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Sixteen arrested and nine police officers injured following clashes at anti-lockdown demonstrations in central London

Getty Images
Getty Images

Sixteen people have been arrested and nice police officers have been injured during clashes at the central London anti-lockdown demonstrations, the Metropolitan Police have said.

Thousands of people massed in Trafalgar Square on Saturday carrying a variety of signs, flags and placards to take part in a “we do not consent” rally.

None of the protesters appeared to wear face coverings or to social distance.

Officers clashed with crowds when they tried to shut the event down due to breaches of with social-distancing rules.

Bottles were thrown and police used batons against protesters, leaving some with visible injuries.

At least three protesters and one officer were treated by medical staff.

Scotland Yard said that 16 people had been arrested following the demonstration, which moved from Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park.

A total of nine officers were injured, two of whom required hospital treatment, the force added.

Police arrest a protester (Getty Images)
Police arrest a protester (Getty Images)

Arrests were for a variety of offences including breaching Coronavirus regulations, assaulting a police officer, public order offences and violent disorder.

Met Commander Ade Adelekan said: “As the crowds began to swell in Trafalgar Square, it became impossible for people maintain social distancing and keep each other safe. Likewise, there appeared to be no efforts by organisers to engage with crowds and keep those assembling safe from transmitting the virus.

“This lack of action voided the risk assessment submitted by event organisers the night before. Therefore, today’s demonstration was no longer exempt from the Coronavirus regulations."

He added: “I am very frustrated to see that nine officers were injured during clashes with a small minority of protestors. This is especially saddening in light of the injuries sustained by officers last weekend."

The Metropolitan Police said the protest was stopped because crowds had not complied with social distancing and risked spreading coronavirus.

Police clash with protesters (AFP via Getty Images)
Police clash with protesters (AFP via Getty Images)

The force said demonstrators were asked to leave and warned that anyone who stayed could be subject to enforcement action.

Officers penned the crowd in Trafalgar Square and water was thrown at them by demonstrators, while crowds also chanted “pick your side” at the officers.

Police removed sound equipment from Trafalgar Square and several protesters were led away in handcuffs.

Another demonstrator was physically carried away from the scene by officers.

The force said: “Crowds in Trafalgar Square have not complied with the conditions of their risk assessment and are putting people in danger of transmitting the virus.

A man is arrested by police officers during a
A man is arrested by police officers during a

“This has voided their risk assessment and we have informed the event organisers they are no longer exempt from the regulations.

“We are now asking those in Trafalgar Square to leave. Officers will be engaging with crowds and informing them of this development.

“By leaving now, you can keep yourself safe and avoid any enforcement action being taken by officers.”

Earlier, police searched a man and confiscated a makeshift riot shield he was carrying.

The protest comes a week after a separate event which saw more than a dozen officers injured when a “small minority” targeted police and more than 32 arrests were made.

The Met said it had been engaging with organisers throughout the week to remind them of their legal obligations and explaining the events could be in breach of coronavirus regulations.

While protests are exempt from the “rule of six” in England, organisers must submit a risk assessment and comply with social distancing.

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