Clashes erupt in London as thousands protest UK lockdown measures
At least four police officers and three demonstrators were injured at the event, which was attended by conspiracy theorist David Icke
September 26, 2020
Clashes broke out on Saturday after thousands of maskless protesters demonstrated against UK lockdown measures in central London.
The crowds, ignoring social distancing rules, were dispersed by the police during the We Do Not Consent rally. They had congregated at Trafalgar Square before moving to Hyde Park in central London.
At least four police officers and three demonstrators were injured in the clashes, while 10 people were arrested.
Two of the officers injured needed hospital treatment, the Metropolitan police said.
The crowd hurled bottles at the officers and chanted “pick your side”, while police used batons against them.
Demonstrators carried a variety of signs, including some bearing anti-vaccine and anti-government slogans.
Conspiracy theorist David Icke, one of the speakers at the event, was met with rapturous applause.
Coronavirus sceptics gather for demonstration in Trafalgar Square, London. #coronavirus #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/oZDEI9SOqs
— Peter Manning (@PeteManningFoto) September 26, 2020
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British authorities have asked the public to keep gatherings to a maximum of six and to distance socially to stop the spread of the virus.
While demonstrations are exempt from “the rule of six”, organisers are required to submit a risk assessment before the marches take place and strictly comply with social distancing.
The Metropolitan Police said on Twitter that the crowds had not complied with the conditions of the risk assessment, meaning the protest was no longer exempt.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, tweeted:
This is unacceptable. I urge all protestors to leave now. Large gatherings are banned for a reason - you are putting the safety of our city at risk.
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) September 26, 2020
More than a dozen officers were injured at another anti-lockdown protest in central London last week, at which 32 were arrested.
Updated: September 27, 2020 04:52 PM
