A number of police officers were injured by people throwing bottles in today’s protests.
The Met made 36 arrests during the demonstrations held in and around central London today (March 20).
A statement from police said: “While the large majority of people in attendance caused no trouble, officers did encounter pockets of disorder with crowds throwing bottles and other missiles and a number of officers were assaulted.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who led today’s policing operation, said: “This was another challenging day for our officers and I would like to thank them for their professionalism.
“Throughout the day, officers sought first to engage with people who had gathered to explain that their actions were unlawful under the COVID-19 regulations, and encouraged them to go home to help protect themselves and others during this public health crisis.
“Where this approach did not work and officers were met with hostility, police enforced the regulations and made arrests.
DAC Taylor added: “We once again saw police come under fire from missiles thrown by people in crowds, and several were injured as a result of targeted assaults. It is totally unacceptable and saddening that officers enforcing regulations that are there to protect us all were the victims of violent attacks. I wish them a speedy recovery.
“Many of those on duty in central London today should have been in their local communities dealing with violent crime and other local issues, but they played a role in reducing the risk of COVID-19 spreading by dispersing crowds.”
