At least five police officers were seriously injured when protesters clashed with police outside the Iranian embassy in central London on Sunday. Twelve arrests were made after “missiles” were allegedly thrown from the large crowd gathered at Princes Gate in Kensington, Marble Arch and the Islamic Center of England in Maida Vale. The protests followed the death of Mahsa Amini – the 22-year-old woman who died in police custody in Iran after she was arrested for violating the country’s hijab laws. Large rallies had taken place around Princes Gate – which borders Hyde Park – for several days and all were “largely good”, the Metropolitan Police said. However, on Sunday, “a significant group” confronted officers and other protesters from groups they were not aligned with.
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Police officers wearing helmets and holding shields rushed to the scene. Protesters moved to Marble Arch and then to the Islamic Center of England in Maida Vale where police were also called. In one video, an angry protester can be seen being tackled to the floor after breaking through police lines to reach the embassy. Commander Karen Findlay said: “We respect people’s right to protest peacefully and we always work with organizers to make this possible, but we will not tolerate unprovoked attacks on our officers like we saw today or protest that leaves other communities feeling unsafe. “We have police officers in hospital tonight because they were attacked in a major outbreak of violent disorder. We will make sure they get the support they need.
Protesters clash with police outside the Iranian embassy in central London Police confront protesters during demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran via REUTERS Police stand guard outside the Iranian embassy in central London PA wire Protesters hold placards outside the Iranian embassy in London AP View of color defacing the facade of the Iranian embassy during protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran, London via REUTERS Demonstrators clash with police during demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran, London via REUTERS Protesters hold placards outside the Iranian embassy in London AP Protesters hold placards outside the Iranian embassy in London AP General view of the scene where protesters clashed with police outside the Kilburn Islamic Center in London, protesting the death of Iranian Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in Iran while in custody, who was arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating her strictly enforced dress code PA Demonstrators are ordered to leave the area after clashes with police outside the Kilburn Islamic Center in London, protesting the death of Iranian Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in Iran while in custody, who was arrested by the Morality Police of Iran for allegedly violating its strictly enforced dress code PA Two women are being asked to leave the area after they stopped to clash with protesters outside the Kilburn Islamic Center in London, protesting the death of Iranian Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in Iran while in custody. was arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating its strictly enforced dress code PA The scene outside the Iranian embassy in central London, after protesters clashed with police as they called for the end of the Islamic Republic of Iran. They protested the death of Iranian Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in Iran while in police custody, who was arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating a strictly enforced dress code PA “We have already made several arrests but we know there are people who were not caught tonight who have committed serious offences. “In the coming days, we will use all the tools at our disposal – including CCTV and other footage – to identify these people and bring them to justice.” A Section 35 Dispersal Order has been put in place for the next 48 hours in the area affected by today’s disturbance. Officials say around 35 people have been killed since protests erupted over Ms Amini’s death in police custody. Women have taken a prominent role in street protests, challenging the country’s Islamic dress code and waving and burning their veils. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi vowed to “deal decisively” with the protests, which have now spread to most of Iran’s 31 provinces. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The scenes that took place last night were completely unacceptable. The selfish minority who attempted to hijack a peaceful protest must be brought to justice. “The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but violence and attacks on police and our communities will never be tolerated. I am in close contact with the Met Commissioner and the police have my full support in pursuing those behind the disorder. “On behalf of all Londoners, I wish all the officers who were injured a speedy recovery and urge anyone with information about those involved to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
