Four police officers were injured and 14 people arrested following angry clashes with protesters outside Iran‘s embassy in London, the Metropolitan Police has said.
The officers suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital after missiles were thrown at the protest on Friday.
The arrests were made on suspicion of offences including violent disorder and trespass, the force said.
Footage shared on social media appeared to show protesters being arrested and others with injuries.
One of those arrested is alleged to have climbed the building in Kensington and removed an Iranian flag.
In a statement, a Met Police spokesperson said: ‘During a protest at the Iranian embassy on Friday, 16 January, a protester illegally accessed private property and climbed across multiple balconies onto the terrace of the embassy and removed its flag.
‘A group of protesters then attempted to prevent his lawful arrest, and dispersal tactics were used by officers to ensure public safety and prevent further disorder.
‘Officers arrested the man on suspicion of criminal damage, trespass on diplomatic property and assaulting police. He remains in police custody.
Four police officers were injured and 14 people arrested following angry clashes with protesters outside Iran’s embassy in London, the Metropolitan Police has said. One of those arrested is alleged to have climbed the building in Kensington and removed an Iranian flag
Dramatic footage shared online shows a man perched on a balcony of the embassy as fellow protesters chant slogans and wave flags on the ground below
Demonstrations have been taking place outside the embassy amid widespread anti-government protests in Iran, where more than 2,000 protesters have reportedly been killed, according to a US-based human rights group
‘A further 13 arrests were made for offences including violent disorder, assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage and trespass on diplomatic premises.’
Demonstrations have been taking place outside the embassy amid widespread anti-government protests in Iran, where more than 2,000 protesters have reportedly been killed, according to a US-based human rights group.
A Section 35 dispersal order was imposed outside the embassy as a result of ongoing disorder, police said.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police added: ‘A significant police presence remains in place, including additional officers who were deployed during the evening to prevent further disorder.’
The London Ambulance Service said it was called at 8.45pm to reports of an incident at the junction of Exhibition Road and Kensington Road.
Four people were taken to hospital, while two others were treated at the scene, the service confirmed.
Police said one protester climbed across balconies onto the embassy roof and removed a flag on Friday night before being detained.
The man who scaled the balcony was later seen being dragged away by police
Footage shows the police violently clashed with protesters outside the Iranian embassy in London after an activist climbed the building and took down the Islamic Republic’s flag
Dramatic footage shared online shows a man perched on a balcony of the embassy as fellow protesters chant slogans and wave flags on the ground below.
The man is then seen jumping from the ledge, prompting baton-wielding officers to surround him when he reaches the ground.
Moments later, protesters appear to lunge towards police, sparking violent clashes as officers use their batons to push back demonstrators.
Some activists are seen being crushed among the chaos, while others are toppled to the ground.
Two police officers are then seen dragging the man away from the scene, while protesters continue to pounce on cops.
Amidst the chaos, the two officers are pulled onto the ground, with one cop seen falling on top of the man.
Protesters continue to shout at officers, while some members of the police tell them to ‘get back’.
A separate video shows the activist removing the Iranian flag from the balcony as protesters cheer.
Daily Mail has approached the Metropolitan Police for comment regarding the video.
The man who climbed onto the balcony has since been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, trespass on diplomatic property and assaulting police.
Several others were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, while a section 35 has been imposed as a result of ongoing disorder, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
A spokesperson for the police force said on Friday night: ‘During the ongoing protest at the Iranian Embassy this evening, a protester illegally accessed private property and climbed across multiple balconies onto the roof of the Embassy and removed a flag.
‘He has since been arrested by officers on suspicion of criminal damage, trespass on diplomatic property and assaulting police.
‘A section 35 order has been imposed as a result of ongoing disorder, including missiles being thrown at officers. Several officers have suffered injuries.’
