Massive Anti-Migrant Rally in London Turns Violent, Injuring 26 Officers
A large-scale far-right demonstration in central London, led by activist Tommy Robinson, descended into chaos on Saturday, resulting in 26 injured police officers and 25 arrests. The Metropolitan Police reported that the “Unite the Kingdom” march, attended by an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people, saw violent clashes as some protesters attempted to breach barriers separating them from a counter-demonstration by Stand Up to Racism, which drew about 5,000 participants.
Officers faced physical assaults, including punches, kicks, and being struck by bottles, prompting the deployment of reinforcements equipped with riot shields and helmets. Four officers sustained serious injuries, such as broken teeth, a concussion, a suspected broken nose, and a spinal injury. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, speaking to News18, condemned the violence, noting that while many attended to exercise their right to protest, others arrived with the intent to cause disorder, confronting police with verbal and physical abuse.
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The rally, one of the largest right-wing gatherings in recent UK history, was marked by efforts to break through police cordons, exacerbating tensions. The Metropolitan Police described the event as overwhelming, with the crowd size exceeding expectations and spilling beyond the designated route in Whitehall. The force vowed to pursue further arrests, with ongoing investigations to identify those involved in the disorder.
The counter-demonstration by Stand Up to Racism remained largely separate, but the close proximity of opposing groups heightened the risk of confrontation. Police reinforcements, including mounted units, were brought in to restore order. The event followed a summer of heightened tensions in the UK, with protests targeting hotels housing migrants, reflecting ongoing debates over immigration policies. News18 reported that the march underscored deep divisions, with authorities emphasizing the need to balance lawful protest with public safety.