Police have arrested 10 people after shutting down an anti-lockdown protest taking place in London’s Trafalgar Square.
Four officers were injured in clashes as the Metropolitan Police asked demonstrators to leave the area after they failed to abide by coronavirus regulations during the rally.
Thousands of people massed in Trafalgar Square on Saturday carrying signs, flags and placards at the “we do not consent” protest – with none appearing to wear face coverings or maintain social distancing.
Bottles were thrown and police used batons against protesters, leaving some with visible injuries, when officer tried to shut down the demonstration.
Officers penning in the crowd in Trafalgar Square also had water thrown at them by crowds chanting “pick your side”.
“Sadly, four of our officers have been injured. Two require hospital treatment,” said the Met.
At least three demonstrators were also injured.
Police removed sound equipment from Trafalgar Square and several protesters were led away in handcuffs while another demonstrator was physically carried away by officers.
The protest had been permitted to go ahead but the Met warned earlier on Saturday that officers would break it up if protesters failed to follow coronavirus rules.
In a statement, Scotland Yard: “Crowds in Trafalgar Square have not complied with the conditions of their risk assessment and are putting people in danger of transmitting the virus.”
They added: “This has voided their risk assessment and we have informed the event organisers they are no longer exempt from the regulations.”
During another anti-lockdown rally last weekend, 15 officers were injured and more than 32 arrests were made.
