Police updated: Twelve arrested as crowds of protesters disperse
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, Public Order lead said: “Our policing plan worked, with both groups kept apart and we saw no attempts from either side to breach conditions by marching. Both sets dispersed as planned from 15:00hrs.
“We saw significantly fewer people attend than we had anticipated. The restrictions and conditions meant many people chose to stay away and not to attend the protest or counter-protest.
“This shows our decision to apply for the ban was the right one. A static protest meant it was easier for officers to keep the two groups apart and prevent serious public disorder.
“We made 12 arrests including for showing support for a proscribed organisation, affray and for threatening or abusive behaviour. We are also investigating chants made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest.
“As I said from the outset, the decision to ban the protest march does not set a precedent and we will continue to consider each protest on a case-by-case basis.
“I want to extend my thanks to the officers, including those from across the country who supported us. Their professionalism and commitment helped us to keep protestors and Londoners safe.”
Met Police investigating chants of ‘Death, death, to the IDF’ at rally
Scotland Yard has confirmed it was investigating chants of “death, death to the IDF” at the al-Quds protest.
A Met spokesperson said: “We are aware of chanting made by a speaker at the al-Quds protest and will be investigating. We recognise the concern footage and chanting like this causes, particularly with London’s Jewish communities.”
Officers disperse crowds
Officers spoke to protestors on both sides of the river to remind them to disperse by 3pm.
Three arrests made during this afternoon’s protests
Three arrests have been made in central London amid a protest and counter-protest during the Al Quds Day demonstration, police said.
In a post on X, the Metropolitan Police said: “Lambeth Bridge remains closed to keep both groups apart.
“Officers have made three arrests, one for showing support for a proscribed organisation, one for dangerous driving and a third for threatening and abusive behaviour.”
Counter protest is one ‘of love for the Iranian people’
Stop The Hate shared a video of their counter protest against the Iranian regime, which they said was a demonstration ‘of love’ for the nation’s people
Pro-Iran protesters held up images of the late Ayatollah Khamenei who was killed in an airstrike attack on February 28, as they marked Al Quds day in Central London, with members of security trying to block media from taking images.
A protester waves a banner depicting the late Ayatollah Khamenei
AFP via Getty Images
An Iranian regime supporter holds up an image of Iran’s new Supreme Leader Motjada Khamenei
AFP via Getty Images
Iranian regime supporters wave Iranian flags
AFP via Getty Images
A member of security tries to block media access to the demonstration
AFP via Getty Images
Al Quds protesters hold placards in Central London today
AFP via Getty Images
Crowds gather for Al Quds protest
Crowds have gathered at Albert Embankment on the River Thames in London for the Al Quds Day demonstration.
Police had been bracing for thousands of people to attend, with hundreds of officers seen in the area.
Scores of people began arriving from 1pm, many holding Palestine flags and banners, some reading “Free Palestine” and “No to Israeli occupation”.
Pictures of Iran’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were also held up, some accompanied by the message “Choose the right side of history”.
Pro-Iran supporters chant ‘From the river to the sea’
Pro-Iranian supporters have been chanting “From the river to the sea” in central London today
Al Quds day rally begins with prayers
Al Quds protesters have been filmed beginning their demonstration with prayers
Counter protesters have arrived
A group of counter-protesters have gathered on Millbank, near Westminster in central London, ahead of a demonstration organised by Stop The Hate.
Around a hundred were assembled at 12.20pm. One man held an Israel flag, while another waved a flag reading “Hamas is terrorist”.
Police vans were parked along the road and on nearby Lambeth Bridge. A police boat was seen in the River Thames.
