At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers injured during Tommy Robinson's "Unite the Kingdom" protest in London. Four officers sustained serious injuries including broken teeth, a possible broken nose, concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury.
The demonstration drew between 110,000 and 150,000 attendees, significantly exceeding organisers' estimates. The massive turnout led to confrontations when police tried to prevent protesters from breaching cordons and encircling counter-demonstrators.
Violence and confrontations
Officers faced physical and verbal abuse from demonstrators attempting to breach police cordons. Projectiles were thrown towards counter-protesters as thousands from both sides faced each other on Whitehall.
A glass bottle appeared to smash against a police horse, causing the animal and rider to stagger backwards. Scuffles broke out as police used batons to push back thousands of Robinson supporters gathered at Whitehall and Trafalgar Square.
Official response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned protesters who attacked police and vowed that anyone "taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law". People were arrested for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist described the violence as "wholly unacceptable". He said: "There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence."
Investigation continues
Police warned that more arrests are likely as their post-event investigation identifies those involved in the disorder. Twist said those responsible "can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks".
More than a hundred helmeted officers and dozens of mounted police eventually pushed the largely dispersed Robinson supporters back from Trafalgar Square towards Embankment station.
Event details
The protest featured a guest appearance from Tesla and X owner Elon Musk, who gave an interview with Robinson. Musk proclaimed the "destruction of Britain" because of "massive uncontrolled migration".
Other speakers included former actor Laurence Fox, former Apprentice candidate Katie Hopkins, and various far-right European politicians. The rally overran the 6pm police-imposed cutoff time, while the Stand Up To Racism counter-protest was scheduled to finish at 4pm.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
