At least 17 people have been arrested after clashes erupted between protesters and police during an anti-Conservative party protest near Downing Street here, a day after Prime Minister David Cameron’s re-election.
Scotland Yard police officers in riot gear clashed with protesters who threw smoke bombs, biscuits, cups and paper planes saying “get the Tories out” and “power to the people” during the rally.
The arrests made under the Public Order Act 1986, violent disorder and assault on police came in the wake of David Cameron’s re-election as Prime Minister of the UK on Friday.
Four police officers and a police staff member were injured, Scotland Yard said.
A police investigation is also under way after a graffiti referring to “Tory scum” was daubed on a war memorial in Whitehall, the heart of the political establishment in central London.
A Downing Street spokesperson condemned the graffiti as “a despicable display of disrespect for those who fought and died for their country.”
Hundreds of anti-government protesters, some holding placards reading “I pledge to resist” and “Stop the cuts”, took part in the rally yesterday, which began outside Conservative Party headquarters.
Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Gerry Campbell said the “vast majority” of protesters had taken part peacefully, but added that a “small minority” had been intent on causing disorder.
“We have launched an investigation into criminal damage to the Women in World War Two Memorial. This is particularly abhorrent considering we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of Victory for Europe Day,” he said.
“Police responded to a spontaneous protest outside Downing Street. Four police officers and one member of police staff have been injured policing this protest. Two are being treated in hospital,” a spokesperson said.
“One officer is being treated for a suspected dislocated shoulder. The member of police staff is being treated for a cut lip after being struck by an object. The three other officers were assaulted and did not require hospital treatment,” spokesperson added.