Police arrest 12 ahead of weekend of London protests
Police have made 12 arrests and confiscated equipment ahead of a big weekend of planned protests in London.
The Met is braced for a string of protests across the capital this weekend, including ant-lockdown and climate change demonstrations.
Officers carried out raids on three locations in London yesterday, including a warehouse used by Extinction Rebellion.
Scotland Yard said 12 people had been arrested and a number of items had been seized, including bamboo structures and lock-on equipment.
The Met said the measures were “proactive action” to prevent and reduce criminal disruption.
It added that the demonstrations were believed to be targeted at media businesses.
Protests and marches are scheduled to take place in Westminster, Lambeth and Southwark both today and tomorrow.
In addition to climate demonstrations, large crowds have gathered in the capital to protest against lockdown measures and mask-wearing.
It comes amid rising anger at Matt Hancock after photos surfaced of the health secretary kissing an aide in his Westminster offices during lockdown.
In a tweet the Met said: “Protest activity is currently underway across central #London.
“Officers are out engaging with those demonstrating and working to minimalise disruption to local communities including disruption to the roads.”
It comes a week after three police officers were injured and 14 people arrested during an anti-lockdown protest in central London.
“Our policing plan will be proportionate with officers engaging with those protesting to help them ensure any gathering is lawful, safe and doesn’t cause serious disruption,” said chief inspector Joe Stokoe.
“We urge anyone coming to take part in a protest in London over the weekend to do so in a peaceful and responsible manner.
“We believe certain protest groups are specifically intending to disrupt some business locations or potentially cause criminal damage to property.
“If this happens we will take further action as required to prevent offences being committed or deal with anyone committing criminal acts.”