UPDATE: 26 officers injured in disorder at central London protest

The Met’s policing operation is drawing down after a very challenging day that saw disorder, violence directed at officers and 26 officers injured.

While both protests began largely without incident, it is deeply regrettable that a number of those who were part of the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest became involved in disorder in multiple locations.

We estimate the attendance at that event to have been between 110,000 to 150,000, significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers.

There was insufficient space to fit them all in Whitehall and Parliament Square, with crowds backing up onto Bridge Street and Westminster Bridge.

A number of people turned off onto Victoria Embankment to get out of the crowds which was understandable.

However, we then saw large crowds ignore police directions, turning left up Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall Place, Northumberland Avenue and Craven Street in an effort to get into Whitehall, including into sterile areas and areas occupied by those taking part in the Stand Up To Racism protest.

When officers intervened to block their path they were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were also thrown and concerted attempts to get past barriers were made.

Officers had to put on full protective equipment and in a number of places had to use shields. Horses and dogs were also used to keep the Unite the Kingdom protesters away from opposing groups.

In addition to the violence directed at officers, we saw people scale fencing and scaffolding around Whitehall, climbing to height putting themselves and others in danger.

As of 19:30hrs we had seen 25 arrests for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Officers went into today’s operation knowing it would be busy and potentially challenging. They policed without fear or favour and approached engagement with all protesters positively.

“There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.

“The violence they faced was wholly unacceptable. 26 officers were injured, including four seriously – among them broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury,

“The 25 arrests we have made so far is just the start. Our post-event investigation has already begun – we are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks.

“I am hugely grateful to the officers who were deployed in central London today, to those on duty in all 32 boroughs responding to 999 calls and to the more than 500 colleagues from forces across England and Wales who stood alongside us in some very challenging circumstances.”