At least five officers have been seriously injured after protesters clashed with police outside the Iranian embassy in central London on Sunday.
Twelve arrests were made after “missiles” were allegedly thrown by the large crowd gathered at Princes Gate in Kensington, Marble Arch and at the Islamic Centre of England in Maida Vale.
The protests follow the death of Mahsa Amini - the 22-year-old woman who died in police custody in Iran after being arrested for breaking the country’s hijab laws.
Large gatherings had taken place around Princes Gate - which borders Hyde Park - for several days and all had been “largely good natured”, the Metropolitan Police said.
However, on Sunday, “a significant group” confronted officers and other protesters from groups they were not aligned to.
Met officers wearing helmets and carrying shields rushed to the scene. Protesters moved to Marble Arch and then the Islamic Centre of England in Maida Vale where riot police were also called upon.
In one video, an angry protester is shown being tackled to the floor after breaking through police lines to get to the embassy.
Commander Karen Findlay said: “We respect the right of people to protest peacefully and always work with organisers to make that possible, but we will not tolerate unprovoked attacks on our officers as we have seen today or protest that leaves other communities feeling unsafe.
“We have officers in hospital tonight because they were attacked in what was a significant outbreak of violent disorder. We will make sure they get the support they need.
“We have already made a number of arrests, but we know there are people who were not caught tonight who committed serious offences.
“In the coming days, we will be using all the tools at our disposal – including CCTV and other footage – to identify those people and bring them to justice.”
BREAKING....It's kicking off outside the Iranian embassy in London. pic.twitter.com/VEUhCqbbFW
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A Section 35 dispersal order has been put in place for the next 48 hours in the area impacted by today’s disorder.
Officials say some 35 people have been killed since protests broke out over the death of Ms Amini in police custody.
Women have taken a prominent role in the street protests, challenging the country’s Islamic dress code and waving and burning their veils.
Iran president Ebrahim Raisi pledged to “deal decisively” with the protests, which have now spread to most of Iran’s 31 provinces.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The scenes that took place last night were completely unacceptable. The selfish minority who attempted to hijack a peaceful protest must be brought to justice.
“The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but violence and attacks on our police and communities will never be tolerated. I am in close contact with the Met Commissioner and the police have my full support in pursuing those behind the disorder.
“On behalf of all Londoners, I wish all the officers injured a swift recovery and urge anyone with information on those involved to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
