London protest turns violent: 26 Police Officers injured, 25 arrests made

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that 26 officers were injured, four of them seriously, following violent clashes during Saturday’s mass demonstration in central London.

The protests, which began largely peacefully, escalated when elements of the Unite the Kingdom march turned disorderly across multiple locations.

Officers reported being assaulted with kicks, punches, bottles, flares, and other projectiles as they attempted to manage the vast crowds.

Police estimate attendance at the Unite the Kingdom protest to have been between 110,000 and 150,000 people, far exceeding the organisers’ projections.

The overflow caused severe congestion around Whitehall, Parliament Square, Bridge Street, and Westminster Bridge, forcing some demonstrators onto Victoria Embankment.

Tensions rose when groups ignored police instructions and attempted to push into restricted areas, including sections occupied by counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism.

Officers in full protective gear, supported by mounted units and police dogs, were deployed to contain the disorder and prevent clashes between opposing groups.

By 7:30 pm, police had made 25 arrests for offences including violent disorder, affray, assault, and criminal damage.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist described the day as “hugely challenging,” praising officers for their restraint and professionalism under intense provocation.

“Many people came to protest lawfully, but too many were intent on violence. Officers were confronted with physical and verbal abuse, with determined attempts to breach cordons put in place for public safety,” he said.

Of the 26 injured officers, four sustained serious injuries including broken teeth, a suspected broken nose, concussion, a prolapsed disc, and a head wound.

Twist added that investigations were already underway to identify offenders. “The 25 arrests we have made so far are just the beginning. Those involved in disorder should expect robust police action in the coming days and weeks.”

He also thanked more than 500 officers from across England and Wales who reinforced the Met in what he called “one of the most difficult operations in recent months.”