Tommy Robinson‘s ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march descended into chaos yesterday as police and protesters clashed in central London.
At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured – including four who were seriously hurt – as tensions flared at the rally which was billed as a fight for free speech.
Up to 150,000 protesters marched through the capital for what is believed to be the largest right-wing demonstration in British history – fuelled by the assassination of Charlie Kirk just days earlier.
A huge policing operation was needed in central London with the Met deploying 1,000 officers and drafting in an additional 500 from forces across the country, including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Devon and Cornwall.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said officers ‘policed without fear of favour’ as they fought back against ‘unacceptable violence’, including being assaulted with kicks, punches and missiles.
Police clashed with protesters throughout the demonstration, wielding their batons and pinning demonstrators to the ground as they scrambled to bring the event under control.
Now, as Scotland Yard continues to investigate yesterday’s protest, you can vote in the Daily Mail’s poll on whether the police were too heavy-handed or if their level of force was justified.
