Events in central London this evening – following the attack in Israel and the escalation of conflict along the border with Gaza in recent days – have now concluded, with three arrests and further live arrest enquiries under way.
Londoners have seen more police officers on the streets across the capital throughout the day to reassure and protect the public with an enhanced visible presence particularly in London’s Jewish communities.
Ahead of the protests and vigils we liaised with the organisers to ensure our policing plan was appropriate – balancing the right to lawful protest against any disruption to Londoners, while ensuring all communities are supported and reassured.
UK policing has an obligation to uphold the right to protest. However we are clear that where any activity crosses into criminality we will, and have, taken action
Three arrests have been made for assault on an emergency worker, racially-motivated criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. In addition, further active arrest enquiries are underway.
During the protests in Kensington High Street a number of individuals were observed engaging in criminal damage of a building. We have gathered evidence and active enquiries are under way to identity, locate and arrests those suspected of being involved.
We are aware of concerns being raised about flags and other symbols being displayed in a way that could lead to people feeling threatened. Specialist officers reviewed these and determined they were not flags of proscribed organisations. The waving of a particular flag is not, in itself, a specific criminal offence unless it relates to a proscribed organisation. At present, no offences were identified.
Londoners will continue to see officers on the streets, in our communities across London in the days to come following days to reassure and protect. We have zero tolerance for any hate crimes. Anyone with concerns, or who has witnessed any offences should speak to an officer or contact police online, via 101 or call 999 in an emergency.
Arrests details
At approximately 19.40hrs, British Transport Police officers arrested a 15-year-old male on Kensington High Street, in the vicinity of High Street Kensington Underground Station on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker. He has been taken to a central London police station.
At approximately 20.00hrs a 70-year-old man was arrested in Kensington area on suspicion of a racially motivated criminal damage. He has been taken to a central London police station.
At approximately 21.00hrs, a 29-year-old man was arrested in Oxford Street on suspicion on causing actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been taken to a central London police station.
