Arrests after protesters breach London prison grounds

The Metropolitan Police said a group of 86 protesters were arrested for allegedly breaching prison grounds at Wormwood Scrubs prison in West London.

The force said the group was “protesting in support of a Palestine Action prisoner on hunger strike” and allegedly threatened police and stopped prison staff from entering and exiting.

Campaign group Prisoners of Palestine identified the prisoner as 22-year-old Mohammed Umer Khalid, who it said started a thirst strike on Friday. He is awaiting trial for the break-in at RAF Brize Norton last June. He denies the accusations.

Everyone involved will be arrested on suspicion of felony trespassing after refusing to leave.

“Someone managed to gain access to the staff entrance area of ​​the prison building,” the Met said.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said “prison security was not compromised at any point” and described the action as an “escalation” that was “completely unacceptable”.

“While we support the right to peaceful protest, reports of trespassing and threats made against staff and police officers are extremely concerning,” they said.

Palestinian prisoners said Khalid had limb girdle muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder, and was on an “extremely dangerous” thirst strike.