A massive far-right rally in London, led by activist Tommy Robinson, turned violent on Sunday as clashes erupted between protesters and police officers.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that protesters injured 26 officers, with four suffering serious wounds, including broken teeth, a concussion, and a suspected spinal injury. The unrest also led to 25 arrests.
Violence broke out when groups of Robinson’s supporters attempted to break through security lines that separated them from a rival counter-demonstration organised by ‘Stand Up to Racism’.
According to local media, officers faced punches, kicks, and attacks with bottles, necessitating the deployment of reinforcements equipped with riot shields and helmets to restore order.
Massive Turnout Amid Tensions
Authorities estimated the rally’s attendance at between 110,000 and 150,000 participants, making it one of the largest far-right gatherings in recent UK history.
However, rally organisers claimed even higher numbers, describing the event as a ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march and referring to attendees as ‘patriots’.
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a prominent figure on the far-right, known for founding the English Defence League and his outspoken nationalist views.
He hailed the event as a ‘tidal wave of patriotism’ and declared it a ‘cultural revolution’ aimed at political change.
High-Profile Support and Police Presence
The march attracted support from various far-right activists, and notably, billionaire Elon Musk addressed the crowd via video message.
Musk urged for political reform in Britain and lamented that citizens are ‘scared to exercise their free speech’, signalling international attention to the event.
In preparation for the demonstrations, authorities deployed over 1,600 police officers across London.
Officers faced significant challenges managing the rally alongside other major events such as football matches and concerts.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that investigations into the violent incidents are ongoing.
Officials continue to review footage and gather evidence to identify those responsible for the attacks on law enforcement officers.
Further updates are awaited as the situation develops.
The rally highlights increasing tensions surrounding immigration and free speech debates in the UK.
It also underscores the challenges faced by police in managing large-scale demonstrations with opposing groups.
The government and law enforcement agencies will examine security protocols and community relations following the violence.
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