The Metropolitan Police said 26 officers were injured, four of them seriously, during violent clashes that broke out at a mass demonstration in central London on Saturday.
The protest, organised under the banner Unite the Kingdom, drew an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people—far higher than organisers had projected. While the march began peacefully, disorder erupted as sections of the crowd turned on police, throwing bottles, flares and other projectiles.
Officers reported being kicked and punched as they tried to control congestion around Whitehall, Parliament Square, Bridge Street and Westminster Bridge. The spillover forced some demonstrators onto Victoria Embankment, heightening tensions when groups attempted to push into restricted areas occupied by counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism.
Mounted police and dog units were deployed to prevent the two groups from clashing. By 7:30 p.m., police confirmed 25 arrests for offences including violent disorder, affray, assault and criminal damage.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist described the day as “hugely challenging,” commending officers for their restraint.
“Many people came to protest lawfully, but too many were intent on violence,” Twist said. “Officers were confronted with physical and verbal abuse, with determined attempts to breach cordons put in place for public safety.”
The four seriously injured officers sustained broken teeth, a suspected broken nose, concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head wound.
Twist said investigations were ongoing, warning that further arrests would follow: “The 25 arrests we have made so far are just the beginning. Those involved in disorder should expect robust police action in the coming days and weeks.”
