Clashes with police after far-right rally

‘Unite the Kingdom’ draws up to 150,000

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Clashes erupted in London Saturday and police made 25 arrests after up to 150,000 people massed for one of the largest-ever far-right protests in Britain, organised by activist Tommy Robinson.

Police said 26 officers were injured, four seriously, after facing “unacceptable violence” while trying to control the crowds, many draped in English and British flags, during several tense hours on the rally’s fringes.

The Metropolitan Police — which estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people turned out, “significantly exceeding” organisers’ estimates — said the clashes broke out after some attendees tried to enter so-called “sterile areas” near counter-protesters.

About 5,000 people had attended a Stand Up to Racism march which began about 1.6 kilometres to the north. About 1,000 police were deployed to keep the rival groups apart.

“There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence,’ Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said. “They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe”

He added arrests were made for violent disorder, assault and other offences, while officers’ injuries included broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion and a prolapsed disc.