Update: Whitehall Protest Arrests

Last night during a planned protest on Whitehall, police officers were attacked and subjected to assault, abuse and violent disorder.

Ahead of the protest we imposed a number of conditions using Public Order Act powers, including on location of the protest and finish time. It became clear very early in the evening that many of those attending had no intention of acting peacefully or cooperating with officers.

Bottles, flares, and other objects were thrown at officers. Five officers were injured: one of our colleagues was punched in the chest, one elbowed in the head, one kicked in the back, one kicked in the wrist and another kicked multiple times, all received injuries.

111 arrests were made for offences including violent disorder, assaults on police officers, possession of knives and offensive weapons and breach of protest conditions. A dedicated team of officers are currently working to bring charges against those responsible.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist: “Last night our officers faced unacceptable scenes of disorder and violence, as others across the country have done in recent days. They acted with great courage and the highest levels of professionalism in the face of hateful behaviour.

“All our thoughts should be with the victims and families of those impacted by the most dreadful attack in Southport. It is shameful that some have sought to exploit this tragedy as justification for their own violence and criminality.

“There is absolutely no place for this on our streets. We will ensure that anyone involved in any violent disorder and criminal behaviour will be stopped, arrested and will face justice.”

Arrest Breakdown

1 x Possession of offensive weapons - seven knives, one catapult with ammunition and nunchucks.

27 x Failing to comply with conditions applied to the protest - Section 14 Public Order Act 1986.

16 x Violent disorder - one of which was also wanted for Burglary and another was also arrested for failing to comply with conditions.

2 x Assault on Emergency worker – one of which was also arrested for failing to comply with conditions imposed.

2 x Racially/Religiously aggravated causing fear of violence

1 x Unlawful possession of Class A drugs

2 x Breach of dispersal order

A further 60 people were arrested during the protest for failing to comply with conditions on the protest under Section 14 Public Order Act 1986. They were not taken in to custody but remain under investigation.

Note - this statement was updated at 12:37 1/8/2024 to reflect updated information about officer injuries - five officers were injured (the original statement reflected two officers injured.)