Arrests made as thousands of pro-Palestinian activists march through London

5 October 2024, 14:05 | Updated: 5 October 2024, 15:57

Two people have been arrested during a pro-Palestine march through central London.

Earlier, 1,000 pro-Palestine activists have started their march from Bedford Square to Russell Square.

According to organisers, they are planning to "target" companies and institutions they say are "complicit in Israel's crimes", including Barclays Bank and the British Museum.

The Metropolitan Police said a second person has been arrested, also for assaulting an emergency worker.

The force said the second arrest was also made when people tried to get past officers who had formed a cordon to stop any groups breaking away from the main protest.

Crowd trouble started outside Russell Square as police officers attempted to remove protesters.

There were a few scuffles as officers pushed back activists and appeared to make arrests.

At least three people were pinned down on the ground by officers.

Three people have been arrested after officers intervened when a small group attempted to approach behind the counter protest at Aldwych.

Police said on X that they have been made aware of some people holding placards with messages of support for Hezbollah and are actively looking for those involved.

There have been 15 arrests made today, including assaulting an emergency worker, supporting a proscribed organisation, assault, public order offences, and breaching Public Order Act conditions.