Met 'aware' of video appearing to show officer push over one-legged man at anti-vax demo

18 December 2021, 17:45 | Updated: 18 December 2021, 22:04

The Met has said it is "aware" of a video appearing to show a police officer pushing over a man with a prosthetic leg during Saturday's anti-restriction demonstration.

In a tweet, the force said it had received a complaint in relation to the video and said it would be "properly considered".

"We're aware of this video showing a man being pushed backwards by an officer on Whitehall," said the Met.

"Officers were dispersing demonstrators following an outbreak of disorder in which they subjected to abuse & physical violence.

"A complaint has been received & will be properly considered."

Thousands of people gathered in central London on Saturday to protest mandatory vaccination.

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The Met said earlier that "a number of officers" had been injured in clashes between police and protesters.

In a statement, the force said protesters gathered in the vicinity of Downing Street and threw "projectiles, including beer cans and a flare" at officers.

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The Met added officers on Whitehall were "subjected to abuse and physical violence" as they tried to contain crowds.

"There is a significant police presence in the area as officers continue to respond to any outbreaks of disorder," said the force.

"At this stage, there have been no arrests."

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The protest has been going on for much of the day.

Just after midday demonstrators attempted to stop a group of officers who were escorting a police motorcyclist through a crowd of people in a road, the Met said, resulting in some officers suffering "minor injuries".

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Shortly before 3pm, protesters who had made their way to Regent Street egged a shop and "began directing abuse" towards staff and customers inside.

The Met said officers quickly intervened and no injuries were reported.