The Metropolitan Police are seeking the public’s assistance to identify individuals involved in yesterday’s Middle East protests in central London. The police noted that additional potential offences have emerged on social media and they are appealing for public help to identify those involved.
Saturday’s event saw large and dense crowds. According to the police, what is easily noticeable with a mobile phone among the crowd might not be as visible to officers positioned along the route. They urge those who witness incidents and capture them on camera to alert nearby officers for immediate intervention.
During the protests, officers arrested 17 individuals. One protest was organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups, while a counter-protest was organised by Stop the Hate. The police detained two individuals on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation. Eight were arrested for public order offences, with four of these allegedly racially aggravated. Three were detained for allegedly assaulting an emergency worker, three for common assault, and one for breaching a Public Order Act condition.
Breaking: Pro-Palestine protesters are currently scaling fences. They are marching towards grand central lighting smoke bombs and flares as police attempt to catch up.
Compare this to the peaceful vigil held yesterday for the murder of the hostages.
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) September 2, 2024
The police acknowledged awareness of placards supporting the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is classified as a terror organisation in the UK. Over the past year, around 20 pro-Palestine protests have occurred in London, often met with smaller counter-demonstrations from pro-Israel groups.
The Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating a suspect in a shooting that occurred in the 1600 block of Marion Barry Avenue, Southeast on 9.18.24.
Have info, call 202-727-9099/ text 50411
Read more:https://t.co/P8Sh0EwvUz pic.twitter.com/uzbtMxTjPe
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) October 6, 2024
On 7 October last year, Hamas militants stormed southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 individuals to Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since then.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Sky News: Met Police arrest 17 protesters during London demonstrations over Middle East conflict, highlighting public order issues and counter-protests by pro-Israel groups.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is the Metropolitan Police asking for public help regarding the protests?
They need help identifying people involved in potential offences seen on social media.
How many people were arrested during the Middle East protests in London?
Seventeen people were arrested during the protests.
What should people do if they see incidents at protests?
Alert nearby officers immediately if you see incidents and take photos.
How many pro-Palestine protests have taken place in London in the last year?
Around 20 pro-Palestine protests have taken place in London.
What were some of the reasons for the arrests during the protests?
Arrests were made for public order offences, assaulting an emergency worker, and supporting a proscribed organisation.
