London Protests: Demonstrators Clash With Police
Source: BBC News
(28 mins. ago) June 13, 2020.
Police were pelted with bottles during confrontations with demonstrators in London, where hundreds gathered despite warnings to avoid protests. Groups gathered in the centre of the capital, claiming they were protecting statues from anti-racism activists.
Home Secretary Priti Patel described the violence as "thoroughly unacceptable thuggery". Some anti-racism demonstrations have also taken place across the UK, including in central London.
The Met Police had placed restrictions on several groups intending to protest, including having to finish at 17:00 BST, following violent scenes last weekend. However, several groups remained on the streets of central London after the cut-off.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan urged demonstrators to "leave now" to prevent further violence and the spread of coronavirus in the city...Video.
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53031072
◾Churchill statue 'may have to be put in museum'
Groups from around the country, including some far-right activists, said they had come to London to protect symbols of British history.
Hundreds of mostly white men gathered around the Whitehall's Cenotaph war memorial and the boarded-up statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square.
Clashes occurred with police in riot gear with crowds - chanting "England" and raising their arms - surged towards lines of officers.
- Police are confronted by protesters in Whitehall near Parliament Square.
- Flares and smoke bombs have been thrown in Trafalgar Square.
Organisers from the Black Lives Matter movement had urged people not to join any anti-racism rallies planned for the weekend over fears there could be clashes with far-right groups. One demonstration planned for Saturday in London was brought forward by a day.
- Protesters take the knee in support of the BLM movement as they march near Marble Sq. in Central London.
