The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday – Friday plus breaking news updates
Scotland Yard has urged demonstrators to stay at home ahead of planned Black Lives Matter protests in London this weekend.
Protesters are set to meet at Parliament at 2pm on Saturday for a “Black Tie march”.
It comes as thousands of people continue to gather across the world calling for racial justice following George Floyd‘s death in police custody last month.
Ahead of this weekend’s protests, Commander Alex Murray of the Met Police encouraged Brits to comply by social distancing regulations at the protests.
He also warned that any violence against officers is “completely unacceptable” and that the force is “working hard to bring offenders to justice”.
It comes after Met Police officers clashed with far-right demonstrators in the capital last weekend.
More than 100 people were arrested as the protests turned violent while at least 23 police officers were injured.
On Friday, Cdr Murray said: “We remain in a health pandemic, and once again would encourage people to comply with the regulations of not gathering in groups larger than six people, this is to keep you, your family and friends safe.
“We value democracy and the right for people to have a voice, but would ask people to do so in another way, and not come to London to demonstrate.
“It is our priority to keep our communities safe and for those who are coming, there will be a proportionate policing operation in place.
“We have been working hard with our community leaders and advisers as part of our preparation for Saturday.
“Whilst the vast majority of people who have attended demonstrations over the past few weeks were not violent, there have a small minority intent on violence against our officers and others, and this is completely unacceptable and we are working hard to bring offenders to justice.
“Officers will be making arrests if there is violence.
“We would encourage those planning to attend, to use your influence and spread the message that criminal activity and violence will undermine the messages you are wanting people to hear and must be avoided.
“We have a post investigation team who will gather all the available evidence and bring those identified to justice.”
The Standard has contacted Black Lives Matter for comment.