Ten UK police officers are hurt in clashes at Black Lives Matter protest including woman PC hospitalised when her horse bolted - after tens of thousands gathered peacefully despite pleas for social distancing(100 Pics)
A policewoman was hospitalised after her horse bolted and another 10 officers were injured after clashes erupted at the Black Lives Matter protests in London last night.
Flares were hurled and a Boris bike was thrown at a police horse as tens of thousands of protesters packed into Parliament Square, despite Priti Patel urging them to stay away to avoid the Covid danger of large crowds.
Despite the majority of the protests remaining peaceful throughout the day, violence erupted on Whitehall at 7pm after tens of thousands of protesters had gathered in the capital to oppose racism and demand justice for George Floyd. Madonna attended the march on crutches and other celebrities attending included Boris Becker and Anthony Joshua.
In the melee a missile was fired near a police horse, causing it to bolt and charge down Whitehall. The female officer riding it slammed into a traffic light and was knocked unconscious before the horse continued galloping down Whitehall where it hit a woman protester and a lamppost.
After that groups of men hurled two Boris bikes at police horses, startling the terrified animals.
In reaction to the chaos Priti Patel last night said violence towards police at protests was 'completely unacceptable' and gave officers her 'full support in tackling disorderly behaviour'.
Writing on Twitter, she said: 'Protests must be peaceful and in accordance with social distancing rules. Violence towards a police officer is completely unacceptable at any time.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also tweeted saying: 'To the tiny minority who were violent and threw glass bottles and lit flares - you endangered a safe and peaceful protest and let down this important cause.'
Tensions had been simmering for more than an hour at the end of Downing Street where around 400 people had gathered but the situation escalated after two flares were thrown over the security gates into the street.
Bottles and other missiles were hurled as riot squad officers emerged from behind the gates.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 14 arrests were made and 10 officers were injured in the fracas.
The force added: 'The officer is currently in hospital, receiving treatment for her injuries which are not life-threatening. The officer fell from her horse, and we are examining the full circumstances of what took place.'
In the melee a missile was fired near a police horse, causing it to bolt and charge down Whitehall. The female officer riding it slammed into a traffic light and was knocked unconscious before the horse continued galloping down Whitehall where it hit a woman protester and a lamppost
An injured police officer lays on the road after being unseated from their horse, during a demonstration on Whitehall, near the entrance to Downing Street in central London
In reaction to the chaos Priti Patel last night said violence towards police at protests was 'completely unacceptable' and gave officers her 'full support in tackling disorderly behaviour'.
One masked man rolled a Boris bike straight into the path of a mounted horse. Others were seen on social media throwing projectiles such as water bottles at riot police
For ten minutes missiles, including fireworks and bangers, were thrown at police who formed a line across the road. Police in riot helmets and shields replaced uniformed officers who had earlier stood guard outside the gates to Downing Street.
Objects were hurled over to Downing Street and at the police lines assembled outside, prompting police in riot gear to charge at the crowd. They were followed by officers on horse back.
Left: A police horse is spooked as a bike is thrown towards it. Right: One of the police horses that bolted hit a person participating in the protest
Demonstrators clash with police officers on Whitehall during a Black Lives Matter protest in London. One man was seen with a metal pole
Feeling the love: Overwhelmed fans hugged Madonna as she came out to support the Black Lives Matter march
Police faces demonstrators after scuffles during a Black Lives Matter march in London on Saturday. A horse was also seen bolting through crowds
Vast crowds of people packed into Parliament Square, London, today as part of demonstrations following the death of George Floyd last week
Vast crowds were seen in Parliament Square with demonstrators - mostly wearing protective face masks - clutching placards
Protesters clash with police on Whitehall, outside Downing Street in central London during a Black Lives Matter demonstration
Police on horses were seen in central London this afternoon as some clashes broke out amid mostly peaceful protests
Massive crowds of people filled Vauxhall Bridge Road during the Black Lives Matter protest following the death of George Floyd in the US
A police officer who was injured when falling off a horse during scuffles with demonstrators at Downing Street during a Black Lives Matter march in London
A man lies on the ground after a police horse charged in Whitehall following a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Parliament Square, London
During the chaos in London this evening a police horse lost its rider and was seen galloping down Whitehall towards Horseguards Parade
Police face demonstrators after scuffles during a Black Lives Matter march in London. For most of the day it had been a peaceful event
Despite the majority of the protests remaining peaceful throughout the day, images have emerged of flares being thrown, horses bolting through crowds and one injured police officer sprawled on the ground after falling from a horse
Police officers in riot gear shout to protestors near Downing Street, in central London during a demonstration organised to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of the killing of George Floyd
Riot police were also forced to guard Downing Street after red flares were hurled over security gates guarding the Prime Minister's residence by a crowd who had earlier chanted 'Boris Johnson is a racist'.
Objects continued to be hurled over to Downing Street and at the police lines assembled outside, prompting police in riot gear to charge at the crowd. They were followed by officers on horse back.
For ten minutes missiles, including fireworks and bangers, were thrown at police who formed a line across the road. Police in riot helmets and shields replaced uniformed officers who had earlier stood guard outside the gates to Downing Street.
Just after 8pm a line of riot police fanned out across Whitehall outside the Cabinet Office to kettle the crowd of about 200. Protesters reacted with fury and tried to force their way through police lines.
Baton-wielding officers were struck by missiles and hit with objects including a metal pole and an umbrella. Red smoke canisters were also thrown. Much of Westminster was cordoned off as a Metropolitan Police helicopter buzzed overhead.
The crowds of protesters packed into central London despite ministers' pleas for them to stay indoors amid the coronavirus threat. Priti Patel yesterday said people should not gather in groups larger than six because Covid-19 'remains a real threat'.
She wrote on Twitter: 'Please for the safety of all of us, do not attend large gatherings - including protests - of more than six people this weekend.' When asked about the lack of social distancing at the protests today a No 10 spokesperson told MailOnline that people should follow the Home Secretary's guidance from yesterday.
In reaction to the chaos Priti Patel tonight said violence towards police at protests was 'completely unacceptable' and gave officers her 'full support in tackling disorderly behaviour'.
Writing on Twitter, she said: 'Protests must be peaceful and in accordance with social distancing rules. Violence towards a police officer is completely unacceptable at any time.
'The police have our full support in tackling any violence, vandalism or disorderly behaviour. There is no justification for it. We have made specific enforcement powers available to them during the pandemic to help protect the entire public.'
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also tweeted saying: 'To the tiny minority who were violent and threw glass bottles and lit flares - you endangered a safe and peaceful protest and let down this important cause.'
The Met said 14 people were arrested for assault on police, criminal damage, making threats, and an incident of dangerous driving near the US Embassy.
Superintendent Jo Edwards, spokesperson for policing today's demonstration, said: 'We understand peoples' passion to come and let their voice be heard, they protested largely without incident.
'Our officers have been professional and very restrained but there was a smaller group intent on violence towards police officers. Twenty-three officers have received injuries, doing their job, policing protest over the last few days, and that is totally unacceptable. There have been 14 arrests made today, but we expect that number to rise and there will be a post -event investigation carried out.'
The protests today mark the second weekend of demonstrations sparked by the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US last week.
Water was sprayed through the air as protesters launched Santander bicycles at terrified horses. One horse was so terrified it bolted and sent its rider plummeting to the ground
A protester fell the the ground after a terrified horse charged into him. Scenes turned chaotic after the police charge escalated and tensions flew high
A police officer was thrown to the ground after falling from her bolting horse amid scenes of carnage in central London earlier this evening. Protesters ran to get out of the way as the horse charged towards them but one fell
Police face demonstrators after scuffles during a Black Lives Matter march in London. Until the afternoon the protests had been mostly peaceful
A protester in Whitehall donned a police officer's hat. He shouted across the street as protesters scolded police officers for not doing more to combat systemic racism within the UK
Police officers are forced to direct their horses around the fallen officer as they continue to try to disperse crowds despite their injured colleague
Demonstrators piled into Parliament Square in Westminster a day after Priti Patel and Matt Hancock urged them to obey social distancing rules and not gather in groups of more than six.
After hearing speeches and taking part in a minutes silence in Westminster, part of the crowd of around 10,000 to 15,000 broke off to march towards the Home Office calling for justice for victims of the Windrush immigration scandal.
Similar protests were seen in Manchester - where 15,00 gathered in Piccadilly Gardens - Cardiff, Leicester, and Sheffield.
Anthony Joshua joined protesters in Watford, north London, by hobbling along on crutches. He wore a black jumper emblazoned with the words: 'Black Lives Matter.'
Joshua - a two-time unified heavyweight champion - is wearing a leg brace as a precaution after feeling a 'twinge' in it last week, reports suggest.
Police on horseback in Whitehall following a Black Lives Matter protest rally in Parliament Square. Protesters raised their arms as they were approached by the horses and riot police
A bin is thrown by a protester over a barricade towards police officers during the Black Lives Matter protest in central London today
Protesters and police clash during a Black Lives Matter protest. Here police are seen with a barricade to try and control the crowds
Demonstrators throw flares above a police line during a Black Lives Matter march in London, Saturday, June 6, as crowds grow violent on the fifth day of demonstrations in the capital
As riot police on horseback approached, protesters formed a barrier by kneeling. They raised their fists in the air as they called for a change in policing within the UK. The slogan ACAB - meaning All Cops Are B******** - has been graffiti'd on memorials and buildings as the protesters marched
A water bottle was thrown into the air as protesters ignored wind and rain to demonstrate in the streets of central London. Police officers on horseback attempted to quieten the crowds as the protest turned violent later in the afternoon
A Santander bicycle is launched at a police officer as he rode through Whitehall attempting to control the angry crowds. Demonstrators film as the officer desperately tries to stay in his seat
A man was detained by police officers in Parliament Square today as masses of people took to the streets to protest following the killing of George Floyd
Protesters hold placards as they attend a demonstration on Whitehall, near the entrance to Downing Street, in central London
Demonstrators are seen with flares during a Black Lives Matter protest near Downing street in London today following the death of George Floyd
Another man was held to the ground and arrested by police in London on the second weekend of protests since George Floyd died
A man clutched a sign reading 'silence is violence' as he stood in front of a row of police officers near the US embassy in London
Protestors also let off flares near Downing Street (pictured) as the protests spread to several parts of central London
Vast crowds of people filled Vauxhall Bridge in London with lines of densely-packed demonstrators extending back for miles
A woman raised her fist into the air during a protest near the US Embassy in London. A row of police officers can be seen behind her
Crowds gathered on Vauxhall Bridge during a protest in London. Ministers have urged demonstrators to obey social distancing rules
Riot police guarding downing street this afternoon as some clashes erupt following mostly peaceful protests in London today
Protesters can be seen wearing protective face masks as they gathered in London on the second weekend of protests today
Crowds gathered on the pavement during a Black Lives Matter protest in London. Demonstrators brandished signs reading 'Black Lives Matter and 'enough is enough'
After hearing speeches and taking part in a minutes silence in Westminster, part of the crowd of around 10,000 to 15,000 broke off to march towards the Home Office calling for justice for victims of the Windrush immigration scandal. Other protesters marched on the US Embassy and there was a separate protest in Watford
Thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters piled into Parliament Square in London despite ministers' desperate pleas for them to stay indoors amid the coronavirus threat
A demonstrator can be seen clutching a sign reading 'you can't enjoy the rhythm and ignore the blues' during the protest today
Demonstrators climbed onto the roof of a bus stop along Victoria Street in London during the Black Lives Matter protests
Another sign read: 'Love us like you love our culture.' Today marks the second weekend of protests in the UK following the death of George Floyd
Huge crowds were seen in Parliament Square today. Yesterday, Government ministers warned protesters to obey social distancing rules
Demonstrators clutched cardboard signs as they gathered in Parliament Square, London. The global uproar was sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US
Two protestors hold up signs (pictured) saying: 'The law doesn't save us it enslaves us' and 'Why is my life a crime' during the London demonstrations
In Manchester, demonstrators also took to the streets - some wearing protective face masks - as they marched as part of protests sparked by the killing of George Floyd
Protesters wearing protective face masks were seen gathering in Parliament Square during today's anti-racism protests in London
Demonstrators took to the streets of London for the second weekend as protests - sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US - continued
Anthony Joshua joined the thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters who are taking to the streets today on the second weekend of anti-racism demonstrations
A demonstrator is seen in front of a flare during a Black Lives Matter protest near Downing street in London which took place today
Protesters holding placards light a flare during an anti-racism demonstration on Whitehall, near the entrance to Downing Street in central London
Police line up near Downing Street this afternoon after graffiti appeared on the wall in Whitehall
Pictures showed huge crowds descending on the capital brandishing signs and chanting.
Met Police were seen guarding the cenotaph after it was vandalised during Wednesday's demonstrations.
The Winston Churchill memorial was defaced today as protesters spray painted the word 'ACAB' - an anarchist slogan meaning All Cops Are B******* onto the plinth.
Earlier protesters had climbed onto the 12ft high sculpture with placards.
The vandalism comes after similar graffiti was left on war memorials along Whitehall during protests on Wednesday.
Two police officers are now guarding the famous bronze sculpture, which shows Churchill standing with his hand resting on his walking stick and wearing a military greatcoat.
Priti Patel yesterday said people should not gather in groups larger than six because Covid-19 'remains a real threat'.
She wrote on Twitter: 'Please for the safety of all of us, do not attend large gatherings - including protests - of more than six people this weekend.
'As Matt Hancock said, coronavirus remains a real threat and people must protect themselves and their families from this horrific disease.'
Her statement echoed that of Health Secretary Matt Hancock who yesterday said he was 'appalled' by the death of Mr Floyd, but stressed that the UK was still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remained a 'real threat'.
Mr Hancock told the daily Downing Street briefing on Friday he could understand why people were 'deeply upset', but said people in the UK should not attend large gatherings.
He added: 'Like so many I am appalled by the death of George Floyd and I understand why people are deeply upset but we are still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat.
'The reason that it is vital that people stick to the rules this weekend is to protect themselves and their family from this horrific disease.
'So please, for the safety of your loved ones, do not attend large gatherings including demonstrations of more than six people.'
The Metropolitan Police tweeted today saying: 'We're urging everyone to remember the current health crisis and comply with the regulations to keep everyone safe.
'Please observe social distancing and continue to work with our officers during this challenging time.'
Police lined the streets near the US Embassy in London as protests following the death of George Floyd continued
Cars can be seen making their way through the crowds of protesters clutching signs. Some people were wearing protective face masks
A huge crowd made its way through the streets of London to get to the US Embassy as part of Black Lives Matter protests today
Demonstrators - most wearing protective face masks - marched on the US Embassy in London brandishing cardboard signs
Anthony Joshua can be seen in a large crowd of protesters brandishing signs and holding their fists in the air on the second weekend of protests in the UK
Thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters have packed into Parliament Square despite ministers pleas for them to stay home amid the coronavirus threat
Protests in London today (pictured) come amid warnings that coronavirus remains a real threat to safety and social distancing measures remain essential
A woman shouts message of protests while being followed by fellow protestors in Parliament Square, London on Saturday
A leading scientist has also warned demonstrators to be 'very careful', wear face masks and observe social distancing rules.
Professor John Edmunds, who attends meetings of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) supporting the Government, told Today: 'I can understand why people would want to protest but on the other hand I think people need to be careful - very careful.
'If you think about it, overall the infection rate in the community is about 1 in 600, 1 in 700 maybe, so in large groups of individuals you would expect there to be some individuals in a large group who would be infectious.'
He said people can transmit coronavirus before displaying symptoms, and added: 'Mask wearing would reduce the risk to some extent from individuals who may be infectious.'
Demonstrators will head to Parliament Square today before going to the US Embassy in the capital tomorrow.
An estimated 4,000 people are expected to attend a demonstration in Bristol, which will include a march through the city to Castle Park on Sunday, Avon and Somerset police said.
Unrest was sparked after the death of African American Floyd who was killed when a white police officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
It comes as the spoken word artist George The Poet has said that the 'lived reality of racism will persist' once the news cycle moves on from the Black Lives Matter protests.
He told Channel 4 News that the last thing he wants is the 'whole thing blowing over' and that he has 'drawn a lot of strength' from the 'movement'.
The artist, whose real name is George Mpanga, added that demonstrations are a 'necessary show of support'.
He added: 'Demonstration is what gets remembered. Sentiments are invisible, but people in a space, visible.
'You can see and quantify how angry people are through a demonstration.'
Holding protests during the coronavirus presents people with a dilemma, he added.
'It is what a lot of leaders and authorities and even the private sector will use to gauge the public mood but every individual needs to make a choice about the risk that they may be part of,' Mpanga said.
'As someone who is strong enough to go to a protest and possibly withstand coronavirus if you catch it, who could you pass it on to?
'That question still lingers in our society right now.'
He said that the events of the last few weeks following the death of George Floyd in the US have been a 'rollercoaster'.
'I empathise with the community,' he said.
'We are horrified.'
Two women clutched signs as they sat in Parliament Square reading: 'Black Lives Matter' and 'No justice, no peace'
Two police officers were seen arresting a man in Parliament Square during the protests in London this weekend
Thousands of people descended on the nation's capital brandishing signs and chanting on the second weekend of demonstrations following the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US
Several protestors knelt down on one knee outside Downing Street on Saturday (pictured) whilst clutching signs displaying their messages
The protests (in Leicester, pictured) today mark the second weekend of demonstrations sparked by the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US last week
A demonstrator clutched a sign reading 'end police brutality' as she attended a demonstration in Parliament Square, London
Met Police were seen guarding the cenotaph after it was vandalised during Wednesday's demonstrations
Despite Floyd's desperate pleas that he 'can't breathe', white police officer Derek Chauvin continued to press down. Floyd passed out and later died in Minneapolis on May 25.
People got down on one knee for an anti-racism protest in London's Trafalgar Square this week despite police warning that such mass demonstrations could be viewed as unlawful.
Those who took part in the tribute to Floyd knelt two metres apart in the shadow of Nelson's Column, wore masks and carried homemade placards which condemned racism and brutality.
But Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said earlier that such protests should not take place under current coronavirus restrictions.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'The health protection regulations are really clear that it is unlawful.'
His warning came after large crowds marched in London and Birmingham this week to protest about the treatment of Floyd, 46.
Video footage shows Floyd gasping that he cannot breathe during the arrest by four officers. They have since been charged over the death which sparked days of protest in the US and Black Lives Matter (BLM) demonstrations across the world.
Activists have put up names of black people and civil rights activists throughout history alongside street names around the Glasgow as part of demonstrations
Wilson Street was renamed Rosa Parks Street while Glassford Street was dubbed Fred Hampton Street in Glasgow as part of demonstrations
Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday warned Britons not to attend large scale anti-racism demonstrations this weekend due to the risk of coronavirus. Priti Patel urged Black Lives Matter protesters not to attend mass demonstrations
Clashes have broken out between police and protesters in the US, with officers recorded firing tear gas and rubber bullets on crowds. Some people looted shops.
During the Trafalgar Square demonstration, Dee Ndlovu said: 'I kneel because of the names and the voices that have been lost to the wind.
'I kneel for the ones who are not heard and the ones who do not get a hashtag, the ones who do not get pictures or a social media campaign, the ones who have been forgotten in history and time. I kneel because of them.'
Taking a knee is a peaceful gesture to protest against police brutality which was first carried out by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick during the national anthem at an American Football game in 2016.
The protest came after pockets of protesters clashed with police as thousands of people flooded into central London and abandoned social distancing for a BLM demonstration on Wednesday.
After a largely peaceful demonstration in Hyde Park, during which Star Wars actor John Boyega gave an impassioned speech, tensions later escalated outside Downing Street. There were 13 arrests.
In an open letter to the British people on Friday, US ambassador to the UK Robert Wood Johnson said it was through peaceful protest that injustice was most successfully addressed.
He added: 'The US Embassy in London is united with the British public in grief over the tragic death of Mr George Floyd, which deserves universal condemnation.
'We offer our deepest condolences to the Floyd family.
'His death is a reminder that as a nation we must do more to fight racism and injustice.'
Her warning comes ahead of mass anti-racism protests planned in various locations across the UK following the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in the US. Pictured: Protesters in Parliament Square yesterday
Their warnings come ahead of demonstrations planned in Parliament Square in London on Saturday and the US Embassy in the capital the next day. Pictured: Protesters in Parliament Square yesterday
An estimated 4,000 people are expected to attend a demonstration in Bristol, which will include a march through the city to Castle Park on Sunday, Avon and Somerset police said. Pictured: Protesters in Parliament Square yesterday
Ten UK police officers are hurt in clashes at Black Lives Matter protest including woman PC hospitalised when her horse bolted - after tens of thousands gathered peacefully despite pleas for social distancing(100 Pics)
![Ten UK police officers are hurt in clashes at Black Lives Matter protest including woman PC hospitalised when her horse bolted - after tens of thousands gathered peacefully despite pleas for social distancing(100 Pics)]()
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June 07, 2020
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