The Metropolitan Police has issued a statement on the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in central London after more violence erupted last night and a rioter was seen trying to set the Union Flag on the Cenotaph on fire while scaling the sacred monument.
UNN has been working hard to bring you all the latest of these protests turned riots, yesterday the statue of Sir Winston Churchill was defaced and many other national monuments have been vandalised.
In Bristol, a statue of Edward Colston was pulled down and thrown into the river by the crowd who cheered as British history was eroded.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e15WvuFEWTo[/embedyt]Below is a full statement from the Metropolitan Police on the demonstrations in London.
The majority of the arrests were made for public order offences. One was for criminal damage following an incident at the Cenotaph.
The vast majority of demonstrators passed through central London today without issue, however, a small minority have once again provoked scenes of violence.
A number of demonstrators launched attacks at officers and threw objects including glass bottles and fireworks at them. A total of eight officers have received injuries.
Spokesperson for the protests, Superintendent Jo Edwards, said: “Regrettably officers were faced with further scenes of violence and disorder following a day of predominantly peaceful protest throughout the capital.
“This is a hugely impassioned movement and we understand the public’s desire to have their voices heard – however it is not right that this passion has turned into violent attacks on officers.
“I would like to thank our officers, and those from the City of London Police and British Transport Police for their professionalism in the face of entirely unacceptable behaviour.
“Overnight our policing operation will continue and I would urge demonstrators thinking of returning to stay at home. The threat of Coronavirus remains very real, and we need you to protect yourselves, your friends and your family.”
Last night the Prime Minister also sent a Tweet saying: “People have a right to protest peacefully & while observing social distancing but they have no right to attack the police. These demonstrations have been subverted by thuggery – and they are a betrayal of the cause they purport to serve. Those responsible will be held to account.”
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Editor-in-Chief | Carl D. Pearson has been involved in British politics and media from an early age, with the key knowledge of what it takes to run a news organisation for the 21st century. Mr Pearson, as Editor-in-chief, is responsible for supervising the daily tasks of publishing media and content to UNN’s website and various platforms.
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