Boris condemns 'racist thuggery' after far-right hooligans attack police and fight running battles with violent BLM supporters in London during clashes driven by 1,000 troublemakers - while other huge anti-racism protests pass peacefully
- Hooligan groups and Black Lives Matter protesters descended on London today, leading to scenes of violence
- Far right fans and thugs clashed with police and BLM in Trafalgar & Parliament Squares and Charing Cross
- People were seen punching and kicking officers, and cops doled out their own punishment with batons
- Violence broke out between members of the two sides who managed to break the police's barricades
- Police chiefs imposed a 5pm curfew on all demonstrations in a bid to quell the unrest seen throughout the day
- Around 1,000 protesters ignored requests to go, instead staying in Trafalgar square as officers watched
Clashes between far-right thugs, Black Lives Matter supporters and riot police erupted in Trafalgar Square and at Waterloo station today as approximately 1,300 troublemakers remained in central London tonight after a 5pm curfew set by police.
Police chiefs imposed the 5pm curfew on all demonstrations in a bid to quell the unrest seen throughout the day as the anti-racist rally and a pro-statue counter-protest descended into hooliganism driven by a hard core of violent activists on both sides.
Videos from the protest showed hooligans who had joined the pro-statue demonstration attacking police, before clashes broke out between BLM activists and the far-right faction in Trafalgar Square.
After the groups were driven out of Trafalgar Square at 5pm, the clashes spilled over to Waterloo station where a group of BLM activists were filmed beating a lone white man accused of being a member of a far right group.
Boris Johnson spoke out against what he described as the 'racist thuggery' seen during demonstrations today after facing criticism for his response to the unrest this week.
The Prime Minister, who yesterday urged protesters to avoid the demonstrations all together - wrote on Twitter: 'Racist thuggery has no place on our streets. Anyone attacking the police will be met with full force of the law.
'These marches and protests have been subverted by violence and breach current guidelines. Racism has no part in the UK and we must work together to make that a reality.'
Elsewhere in the country tens of thousands gathered at anti-racism protests that passed off largely peacefully although clashes also erupted in Bristol and Newcastle.
Met Police tonight confirmed that more than 100 people have been arrested during today's protest for offences including breach of the peace, violent disorder, assault on officers, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of class A drugs, and drunk and disorder.
As the clocks struck 5pm, around 1,200 protesters in London ignored requests to go home, instead staying in Trafalgar Square - one of the flash points where a small number of troublemakers on both sides sparked violent clashes with police earlier today.
Elsewhere, between 350 and 400 Black Lives Matter protesters headed south of the River Thames to Waterloo station, chasing men they said were members of hate group EDL.
Smoke bombs were let off and bottles thrown as police struggled to protect the men on the steps of the train station.
The anti-racist rally and a pro-statue counter-protest descended into hooliganism driven by a hard core of violent activists on both sides. Pictured: Clashes in Trafalgar Square today
A man was beaten to a bloody pulp in Trafalgar Square tonight as the Black Lives Matter protests turned violent shortly before the 5pm curfew kicked in
A group of men carry an injured man away after he was allegedly attacked by some of the crowd of protesters in Southbank near Waterloo station
A man, whose face was covered in blood, was seen lying on the floor near Waterloo Station in London as the protests turned violent
Elsewhere in the country tens of thousands gathered at anti-racism protests that passed off largely peacefully although clashes also erupted in Bristol (pictured) and Newcastle
Boris Johnson spoke out against what he described as the 'racist thuggery' seen during demonstrations today after facing criticism for his response to the unrest this week
Police fight to maintain control in Trafalgar Square amid both Black Lives Matter and pro-statue protests in London today
A man identified as a far-right protester has been carried to safety as animosity was briefly set aside on a day of clashes in London between rival groups and police
Police chiefs imposed the 5pm curfew on all demonstrations in a bid to quell the unrest seen throughout the day. Pictured: A man is carried to safety by protesters
Clashes between far-right thugs, Black Lives Matter supporters and riot police erupted in Trafalgar Square today and at Waterloo station as approximately 1,300 troublemakers remained in central London tonight after a 5pm curfew set by police. Pictured: A man is helped by police near Waterloo Station
Police formed a barricade as demonstrators faced off with officers at Trafalgar Square. The tourist attraction has become a flash point for violence between a small minority of protesters
A rowdy group of far-right protesters were seen yelling and shouting in Trafalgar Square as the anti-racist rally and a pro-statue counter-protests continued
Police officers clashed with demonstrators in central London as large groups fled Trafalgar Square and headed to Hyde Park
British Transport Police officers were seen clashing with protesters at the demonstrations today which saw violence erupt across London
A man was arrested by police officers outside Waterloo Station today as clashes between far-right thugs, Black Lives Matter supporters and riot police erupted
A man was searched by police in St James's Street, London, as unrest continued across the capital today
Met Police confirmed five people have been arrested for offences including violent disorder, assault on police, possession of an offensive weapon, being drunk and disorderly and possession of Class A drugs. Pictured: A man being arrested near Westminster Abbey
One protester is seen lying on the floor surrounded by other demonstrators as the clashes turned violent today. They were gathered outside Waterloo station
Police stopped protesters at Embankment in London today. A total of 15 people have been treated for injuries at the London protests
Six of the patients who were injured in the demonstrations, all members of the public, have been taken to hospital. Pictured: Demonstrators near Waterloo Station
A protester can be seen lying on the floor surrounded by others during the clashes outside Waterloo Station in London today
In Parliament Square, officers herded the final far-right protesters away from the statue of Churchill and began moving them across the green space and onto a road. The area is now clear of demonstrators but piles of rubbish were left behind.
Shortly before the curfew, one man was attacked - believed to be a Tommy Robinson supporter - by angry crowds in Trafalgar Square. The injured man was swarmed before being punched and kicked to the floor leaving blood streaming from his nose.
Other protesters managed to drive a wedge in between the man and his attackers and stop the violence before police moved in.
He was later taken out of the square by officers, staggering unsteadily on his feet.
A total of 15 people have been treated for injuries at the London protests. Six of the patients, all members of the public, have been taken to hospital.
Six officers suffered minor injuries after 'pockets of violence' were directed towards the Metropolitan Police.
A man was arrested by police near Waterloo Bridge during clashes between far-right thugs, Black Lives Matter supporters and riot police
Swathes of counter-protesters hurled abuse at Black Lives Matters demonstrators during clashes in Trafalgar Square today
Demonstrators stood at some stairs outside Waterloo Station. One protester can be seen taking a selfie as he stands in front of the officers
Scenes outside Waterloo Station descended into chaos as hundreds of protesters tried to break in after demonstrations today
The injured man (pictured) was swarmed before being punched and kicked to the floor leaving blood streaming from his nose
More than 15,000 demonstrators flocked to Brighton's seafront to stand in solidarity with BLM demonstrations worldwide
Newington Green also saw peaceful protests today with dozens of demonstrators cramming onto a tiny patch of grass clutching signs
Protesters shouted and stood up to police officers during demonstrations in South Bank today. Protests in the capital descended into chaos today
In a statement, Met Commander Bas Javid said: 'Thousands have travelled to London despite being asked not to and some of those have been intent on causing harm.
'We understand why people want to express their concerns and have worked hard to keep people safe.
'Many people have complied with these conditions, and have listened to officers during the day, and have behaved as we have requested in order to keep them safe.
'A number of people have not followed these conditions, putting officers, and others' safety at risk.
'There have been pockets of violence directed towards our officers. This is completely unacceptable and I condemn those involved.'
Police have blocked off two pedestrian bridges between Embankment and Waterloo in London.
Officers said they had been blocked off as Black Lives Matter protesters had been on them attempting to get north in the capital.
Tommy Robinson vowed in a video posted on social media last weekend that he would be visiting the capital on Saturday to ensure the city's historical monuments were protected.
The man (pictured) who was attacked - believed to be a Tommy Robinson supporter - was one of two men who had been chased by angry crowds today
Another man was beaten up near Waterloo Station today as a small number of troublemakers on both sides caused the largely-peaceful protests to descend into chaos
Police on horseback were seen approaching the crowds in Trafalgar Square. The demonstrations erupted into violence today
A group of police officers spoke to a man in Trafalgar Square today as the Black Lives Matter demonstrations continued
Police officers wearing riot gear addressed a man in a hood and balaclava during protests in Trafalgar Square this afternoon
He later backtracked and said he would not be attending but protests went ahead without him today.
Demonstrators on all sides flocked to central London despite desperate pleas from the Home Secretary to 'go home to stop the spread of this virus.'
Police Commander Javid added: 'We impose conditions for people's safety. One of those conditions was that the assembly must finish by 5pm. If you're at Parliament Square you must go to Victoria. If you are at Trafalgar Square you must go to Charing Cross. Go home.'
Earlier today, mounted officers and riot squads desperately battled to keep the opposing demonstrations separate, while coming under fire from both sides throughout the day.
The pro-statue rally included veterans dressed in military uniform as well as far-right thugs such as Britain First leader Paul Golding.
A WPC was treated by her colleagues after she fainted due to dehydration as the clashes took a toll on weary officers.
Smoke bombs exploded in Trafalgar Square, which first swelled with flag-waving far-right yobs before they were driven out by police and the world-famous tourist attraction was occupied by anti-racist and BLM activists, who marched from Hyde Park.
Most statues, including that of Sir Winston Churchill, have been boarded up by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to prevent them becoming 'flash points' for far-right violence.
But carnage still erupted in the heart of London as far right thugs peeled off from their rally in Parliament Square and began pelting cans and bottles at the police blockading the Cenotaph.
It sparked a wave of frenzied violence which saw hooligans caught on camera deliberately targeting constables.
Skirmishes were seen breaking out between the two groups and both sides have been prowling through central London looking for violence.
Priti Patel has condemned the 'unacceptable thuggery' of hooligans who hijacked a pro-statue rally and clashed with police outside London's Cenotaph this afternoon
Bottles are thrown at mounted police as members of far right groups gathered to guard statues in Parliament Square
Some of the demonstration peeled off down Whitehall and marched right up to the police barrier, where thugs were seen goading constables and lobbing beer cans
Police armed with shields and riot gear reinforce the blockade on Whitehall as louts rush up the police line
Louts were seen goading constables, while a few cans were lobbed over the barriers as the crowd sang out football chants
Hundreds of far-right thugs and hooligans have rushed up to the police blockade outside the Cenotaph - as tensions threaten to boil over in the heart of London ahead of today's Black Lives Matter protest
Protesters gather in support of the Black Lives Matter movement for a protest action in Hyde Park
Activists from far-right linked groups chant as they face police officers in Trafalgar Square on June 13, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. Following a social media post by the far-right activist known as Tommy Robinson, members of far-right linked groups have gathered around statues in London
By 4pm, BLM protesters had broken out of the police ring around Trafalgar Square and were roaming the West End chanting f*** the EDL.
Timeline of the clashes earlier today
11:30 am: Several hundred people gather in central London, with the Cenotaph a focal point for demonstrators singing the national anthem. Britain First leader Paul Golding arrives.
Approx 11:30 am: Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstrators gather in Hyde Park.
12:30 pm: Far-right activists block roads around Parliament Square.
12:45 pm: Whitehall becomes blocked off by the Met police who've imposed a Section 60 power.
12:45-2:40 pm: Far-right activists clash with and throw objects, including barriers, at police guarding Parliament Square including cans.
2:55 pm: Large numbers of far-right protesters move to Trafalgar Square and are separated by police lines from BLM demonstrators who are starting to gather.
3:15 pm: Police face far-right activists who've moved back to Parliament Square where some try to push through the barriers. Riot police and horses make their way back to the square.
3:20 pm: More violence against police on Bridge Street from far-right activists next to Big Ben.
3:30 pm: More BLM demonstrators make their way to Trafalgar Square.
4:00 pm: Police in full riot gear with shields clash with protesters in Whitehall.
4:10 pm: Crowd at Parliament Square start to disperse after an exit to Parliament Square opens.
4:10 pm: Police appear to stop more BLM demonstrators from entering Trafalgar Square and the demonstrators start to move towards Leicester Square shouting.
4:40 pm: BLM protestors move back to Trafalgar Square. Counter-demonstrators stand at the bottom of Nelson's Column.
4:50 pm Police push far-right protesters back from BLM demonstrators
5:00 pm: Curfew kicks in.
Priti Patel has condemned the 'unacceptable thuggery' and said the perpetrators would face the 'full force of the law'.
The Home Secretary tweeted a video of the affray and wrote: 'Throughly (sic) unacceptable thuggery. Any perpetrators of violence or vandalism should expect to face the full force of the law.
'Violence towards our police officers will not be tolerated. Coronavirus remains a threat to us all. Go home to stop the spread of this virus and save lives.'
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan wrote on Twitter: 'Millions of Londoners will have been disgusted by the shameful scenes of violence, desecration and racism displayed by the right-wing extremists who gathered in our city today.
'In the face of attacks and abuse, our police did a fantastic job to control the situation. Thank you.'
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the violence shown towards the police had been 'completely unacceptable'.
He tweeted: 'Any violence against our police is completely unacceptable. No ifs, no buts.
'Today's protests in London were led by those intent on causing violence and sowing hate for their own ends. We must not let them win.'
Ms Patel also slammed a picture of a yob seen urinating next to a memorial created in honour of PC Keith Palmer who was killed in the Westminster terror attack.
Several politicians have expressed their disgust after the man was snapped including Ms Patel who branded the incident 'absolutely appalling and shameful'.
There are now calls from the Met Police Federation for the man to be jailed for his actions.
Armed only with a baton and pepper spray, PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death by terrorist Khalid Masood on March 22, 2017. He was awarded a posthumous George Medal for his bravery in confronting the killer.
A man was seen urinating next to a plaque honouring PC Keith Palmer who was stabbed to death during a terrorist attack in Westminster in 2017
Among those shaming the man is MP Tobias Ellwood, who gave first aid to the police officer as he lay dying outside Westminster.
He took to Twitter to share his disgust at the shocking photograph, describing his actions as 'abhorrent'.
In a media clip, Ms Patel said: 'We are in an unprecedented public health emergency, and I have said every single day, as have the police around the country and in London, that these protests, these gatherings, are illegal and we have been discouraging them.
'Secondly, we have seen a small minority behave in extreme thuggery and violent behaviour today.
'That is simply unacceptable and the individuals that are basically putting the safety of our police officers and the safety of the public at risk will expect to face the full force of the law.
'We have seen some shameful scenes today, including the desecration of PC Keith Palmer's memorial in Parliament, in Westminster square, and quite frankly that is shameful, that is absolutely appalling and shameful.
'And I think, you know, my final remark very much is is that we live in a tolerant country but racism, any form of intolerance and violence is simply not acceptable.'
Ms Patel added: 'My message to people today, and my message to anybody that wants to protest, is simply please do not.'
BLM coordinators have formally scrapped today's demonstration for fear of clashes, but many still took to the streets.
More than 15,000 demonstrators flocked to Brighton to stand in solidarity with BLM demonstrations worldwide.
BOLTON: A tense stand off between opposing sets of demonstrators at Black Lives Matter march in Bolton
NEWCASTLE: Counter-protesters stand in front of police officers during a Black Lives Matter protest in Newcastle
LIVERPOOL: Demonstrators hold signs as they attend a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, in Liverpool
They formed a mile-long line along the seafront before coming face-to-face with a small group of pro-statue protesters across a police divide.
Similar opposing rallies were also seen in Liverpool, Brighton and Glasgow with Newcastle seeing clashes between protesters and police.
This morning, a senior BLM organsier said Churchill's statue should be removed from Parliament Square.
Imarn Ayton, 29, a figurehead of the movement who has given speeches alongside Star Wars actor John Boyega, said a monument to anyone who has made racist comments - including the wartime PM - is offensive and belongs in a museum.
But she urged campaigners to stay off the streets of London to prevent rallies exploding into a 'race war' against the far-right, who are among those trooping to the capital and other cities across the UK to defend targeted sculptures.
Protesters in Bristol gathered at the Cenotaph and held up 'All Lives Matter' banners, but denied they were far-right supporters.
One read: 'Not far right, just ordinary people of all races from Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Newport etc. United to defend the Cenotaph to defend the memory of people who died so that we are able to have the freedom to protest.'
As several hundred demonstrators blocked roads around Parliament Square in London, police tried to corral them onto the pavements.
Other officers, some holding shields, remained in a line blocking access to the Cenotaph in Whitehall, while some in the crowd screamed abuse at them
BRIGHTON: Protesters from Black Lives Matter take part in a silent vigil on Madeira Drive, Brighton
GLASGOW: Activists gather at the Cenotaph in George Square to protect it from any vandalism
BRISTOL: People taking part in a Black Lives Matter protest and counter pro-statue protest at the Bristol Cenotaph in Bristol
STAFFORDSHIRE: A group of men stand beside the boarded up statue of Sir Robert Peel before people take part in a Black Lives Matter protest in the grounds of Tamworth Castle
Hundreds also flocked to George Square in Glasgow to 'protect' a war memorial.
In an event organised by a group called the Loyalist Defence League (LDL), people congregated to stop vandalism to the Glasgow Cenotaph, erected to commemorate the lives of those who died in the First World War.
The Mayor of London today defended his decision to board up monuments in Westminster by pointing to possible violence from far-right groups.
He told Radio 4's Today programme this morning: 'We have intelligence that extreme far-right groups are coming to London, they say to protect the statues but we think these statues could become a flash point for violence.
'And we are worried in far-right groups getting involved in violence, vandalism and disorder with those protesting as part of the BLM movement.
'And that's one of the reasons why I'm asking people to stay away from central London.'
Scotland Yard is desperate to keep control of London after last weekend's largely peaceful protest was hijacked by pockets of violence, which targeted constables.
Police chiefs imposed a 5pm curfew on the demonstration and warned that officers are ready to make arrests.
Asked if she believes Winston Churchill statue should be removed, Ms Ayton told BBC Radio 4: 'Yes I do. I believe these statues should be moved to a museum I think it's a win win for everyone. It no longer offends the black nation, but we get to keep our history and keep those that would like to see that.'
Asked why Churchill's statue was offensive, she said: 'Any statue of people who has spoken negatively towards black people is going to be offensive. Any man.'
Yesterday, the Prime Minister waded into the debate on statues to slam the boarding up of his political hero, Churchill's sculpture.
He said it was 'absurd and shameful' that a statue of Sir Winston Churchill was 'at risk of attack' by protesters and 'the only responsible course of action is to stay away from these protests'.
Home Secretary Priti Patel weighed in behind her boss and demanded Churchill be 'set free'.
She told the Daily Mail: 'We should free Churchill, a hero of our nation, who fought against fascism and racism in this country and Europe.'
Churchill's grandson Nicholas Soames, the former Tory MP, said that covering the wartime PM's statue was a national humiliation.
This morning, Mr Khan responded to criticism with a dig at Mr Johnson and said: 'I'd remind Londoners and all those around the country this isn't the first statues in Parliament Square and London have been boarded up.
'Indeed Parliament Square was fenced off for a number of weeks when Boris Johnson was Mayor.'
The Mayor also accused Ms Patel of seeking to score 'political points'.
He said: 'She needs to see the intelligence that we have seen that the far right are intending to come to central London.
Protesters charge past Parliament in Westminster as the police try to disperse the crowds after clashes
Far-right protesters walk as British police officers in riot gear escort them away in central London, as groups gather to counter-protest against a Black Lives Matter demonstration this afternoon
Pro-statue campaigners have rallied peacefully outside the statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square, which has been boarded up by Sadiq Khan for fear of it becoming a 'flashpoint for violence'
Far-right protesters walk as British police officers in riot gear escort them away in central London, as groups gather to counter-protest against a Black Lives Matter demonstration this afternoon in Manchester, England
Activists argue with a police officer on Parliament Street this afternoon in London, United Kingdom
Protesters stand by the Cenotaph ahead of a possible Black lives matter demonstration in London
The counter-protest heads from the Churchill memorial in Parliament Square down Whitehall to the Cenotaph
Riot squads armed with batons and shields are holding the line in the middle of Whitehall to separate anti-racism activists from a frenzied counter-protest
Activists chant as they face police officers on Whitehall as pro-statue campaigners gather around London's monument
Crowds of people have surrounded Winston Churchill's statue in Parliament Square after pro-statue activists roused a call to arms to defend Westminster's monuments
A former serviceman stands beside Churchill's statue today as hundreds of people gather in Westminster for a counter-protest ahead of Black Lives Matter rally
People taking part in a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park, London, today
Police form a barrier in front of activists surrounding the Cenotaph, before moving barriers in place as more pro-statue people headed down Whitehall
Some of the pro-statue demonstration peeled off down Whitehall and marched right up to the police barrier, which some tried to clamber over
Paul Golding, the leader of far-right group Britain first, arrived at the Cenotaph this morning wearing a top reading: White lives matter and #BritainFirst
Imarn Ayton, 29, a figurehead of the movement who has given speeches alongside Star Wars actor John Boyega, said a monument to 'any man' who has made racist comments - including the wartime PM - is offensive and belongs in a museum
A counter-protester shouts into a megaphone during a Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, in Newcastle
'One of their justifications for doing so is to protect these statues but also they are intending to remove statues of people like Nelson Mandela, so I think we have done the wise, precautionary thing.
'Rather than seeking to make political points out of this, what I hope is that central government would work with regional government and the police to make sure there isn't violence, vandalism or disorder or inadvertently the spreading of the virus.'
Fury erupts at pro-statue demonstrator who urinated beside memorial for policeman who was killed by Westminster terrorist
A yob was seen urinating next to a memorial created in honour of a police officer killed in the Westminster terror attack.
Armed only with a baton and pepper spray, PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death by terrorist Khalid Masood on March 22, 2017
Several politicians have expressed their disgust after the man was snapped during violent clashes between far-right protesters and police in central London today, including Home Secretary Priti Patel branding the incident as 'absolutely appalling and shameful'.
There are now calls from the Met Police Federation for the man to be jailed for his actions.
Armed only with a baton and pepper spray, PC Keith Palmer was stabbed to death while guarding the main vehicle entrance — Carriage Gates — by terrorist Khalid Masood on March 22, 2017. He was awarded a posthumous George Medal for his bravery in confronting the killer.
Among those shaming the man is MP Tobias Ellwood, who gave first aid to the police officer as he lay dying outside Westminster.
He took to Twitter to share his disgust at the shocking photograph, describing his actions as 'abhorrent'.
The politician said: 'Absolute shame on this man. Of all the images to emerge over these few testing days I find this one of most abhorrent. Please help identify him.'
Police confirmed officers are investigating a man taking part in the far-right protests who urinated next to the memorial.
Hooligan groups raised a call to arms this morning for supporters to head to Whitehall at the same time George Floyd demonstrators are marching from Hyde Park.
The Democratic Football Lads Alliance, which is rallying 'football lads, patriots, veterans and people who just love their country', insists it is not rousing a counter-protest but is instead on a 'protection mission'.
Paul Golding, the leader of far-right group Britain First, was pictured at the Cenotaph this morning wearing a top emblazoned with the words 'white lives matter'.
Daisy, a 26-year-old from Pimlico, passed demonstrators in Parliament Square as she went for a run at around 10.30 on Saturday morning and claimed many were already drinking alcohol.
'They were all drinking beers and there was already loads of cans lying round on the floor treating it like it was some sort of football away-day,' she said.
'It was a really tense and hostile atmosphere. I didn't stay too long... it was really uncomfortable.'
Swathes of the public have expressed outrage at the recent removal of statues and have peacefully encircled some of the ones at risk of vandalism over recent days.
Ms Ayton joined the Mayor in urging people not to protest today for fear of violence from the far-right.
She added: 'I think everyone is very worried about any type of race war that could occur because that takes away from what we're trying to achieve, which is abolishing institutional racism and a massive war on a Saturday because of far-right takes away everything we're trying to achieve over the last week.'
Other anti-racism figures also expressed nervousness about clashes in the capital today.
Nick Knowles, from Hope Not Hate, this morning told BBC Today : 'If you look whose planning to come into London today, you have seasoned football hooligans... BNP protesters.
'You have some who are concerned about statues, but others who are looking for a fight and have openly said this on their social media channels.'
Denise Richards, one of the organisers of the recent wave of BLM protests, said many activists would avoid London today for fear of violent clashes.
Protestors gather in support of the Black Lives Matter movement at a protest action in Hyde Park, central London in the aftermath of the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in police custody in the US
Far-right protesters walk away from smoke by a firework thrown by other protesters at Trafalgar Square in central London, as groups gather to coiunter-protest against a Black Lives Matter demonstration, this afternoon
Counter-protesters march up Whitehall to rally around statues which have been boarded up by Sadiq Khan for fear of them becoming flashpoints for violence
Far-right supporters turned up to a Black Lives Matter protest in Newcastle Upon Tyne this afternoon. Violence broke out as far-right protesters launched bottles and flares
The sun shone in Westminster this morning, as a pro-statue protester poses for a photograph outside Winsto Churchill's boarded-up statue
Pro-statue activists rally round the boarded-up statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square this morning
Police officers patrol past a statue of Mahatma Gandhi boarded up in Westminster as officers brace for violence on the street today
The statue to wartime PM Sir Winston Churchill remains boarded up today as a Black Lives Matter organiser calls for it to be removed from Parliament Square
Several statues in Westminster remain boarded up today, including the memorial to the Women of World War II on Whitehall
The towering statue of Robert Clive, which is being targeted by anti-racism activists, is pictured today boarded up in Westminster
People next to a boarded up Mahatma Gandhi statue on Parliament Square today before the Black Lives Matter protest kicks off
A statue of Charles I boarded up in Trafalgar Square, Westminster, today ahead of a Black Lives Matter demonstration in central London
Sadiq Khan pointed to last week's flag-burning and vandalism at the Cenotaph and said other statues such as Nelson Mandela (left, pictured today) and Mahatma Ghandi (right) were also at risk of being targeted
Yesterday, the Prime Minister waded into the debate on statues to slam the boarding up of his political hero, Churchill's sculpture (pictured today)
She said: 'No I won't be coming to London, initially that was the plan but hearing what the far right were planning to do, for our chapter it was a non-starter.
Asked why she was backing off, she added: 'If we don't give into threats, people will lose their lives... I just don't think it's worth us losing our lives.'
The BLM route mandated by police starts at Hyde Park and goes to Park Lane, Hyde Park Corner, Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket, Cockspur Street, Trafalgar Square before finishing in Whitehall, north of the police barrier.
Conditions imposed by Met Police, mean that a number of the statues in Parliament Square -including Winston Churchill's - will only be accessible to pro-statue protesters.
The conditions were set under section 12 of the Public Order Act.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Mr Khan said: 'The police can arrest, detain and charge, ultimately if you breach the conditions,' he said, adding that this included people who were protesting peacefully.
Right-wing groups will have to assemble in Parliament Square and Whitehall, and must remain south of the police barrier.
Scotland Yard also warned protesters to reconsider attending today due to the coronavirus pandemic, with concerns mass gatherings could help contribute to a second wave of the disease.
Met Police commander Bas Javid said: 'I absolutely understand why people want to make their voices heard – there is a really strong depth of feeling out in the communities, but the Government direction is that we remain in a health pandemic and people are asked not to gather in large groups.
'By doing so, you are putting your own safety, and that of your family or friends at risk. We are asking you not to come to London, and let your voices be heard in other ways.
'We all saw the crowds that came together last weekend, and the demonstration on the whole was peaceful and reinforced the legitimacy of feelings within our communities.
'However on both days, there was a minority intent on disorder, which resulted in incidents of violence and criminal behaviour, and assaults against our officers. This cannot be tolerated.'
Meanwhile, police officers were booed and had obscenities shouted at them as they moved in to detain two of the protesters in Hyde Park yesterday afternoon.
Around 20 officers moved through peaceful protesters sitting on the grass to seize suspected activists thought to be behind disorder at previous protests, including an anti Capitalist demo in London's stock exchange in February.
A man in a black top and baseball cap was among those led away as members of the crowd started to gather around the officers but who were then warned to be peaceful by one of the protest organisers on loudspeaker.
A spokesman for City of London Police said: 'The individuals arrested by the Metropolitan Police today are wanted by the City of London Police for matters unrelated to their activity at any of the Black Lives Matter protests.
'As it is an ongoing police investigation we can't provide any more details.'
Police are erecting barriers on Whitehall to keep apart pro-statue activists and Black Lives Matter protesters later today (pictured this morning)
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMigwFodHRwczovL3d3dy5kYWlseW1haWwuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hcnRpY2xlLTg0MTY4OTcvTG9uZG9uLWJyYWNlcy1jaGFvcy1ob29saWdhbnMtZmFyLXJpZ2h0LXRodWdzLXRocmVhdGVuLWNsYXNoZXMtQkxNLXByb3Rlc3RlcnMuaHRtbNIBhwFodHRwczovL3d3dy5kYWlseW1haWwuY28udWsvbmV3cy9hcnRpY2xlLTg0MTY4OTcvYW1wL0xvbmRvbi1icmFjZXMtY2hhb3MtaG9vbGlnYW5zLWZhci1yaWdodC10aHVncy10aHJlYXRlbi1jbGFzaGVzLUJMTS1wcm90ZXN0ZXJzLmh0bWw?oc=5
2020-06-13 23:28:36Z
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