Police were injured in angry clashes with protesters outside Iran’s London Embassy as Met reveals it arrested 14 after activist scaled roof and removed flag
Four police officers were injured and 14 people were arrested after violent clashes with protesters outside Iran’s embassy in London, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police officers were slightly injured and taken to hospital after missiles were fired at the protest on Friday.
Police said the arrests were made on suspicion of offenses such as violent disorder and trespassing.
Images shared on social media show protesters being arrested and some injured.
One of those arrested allegedly climbed the building in Kensington and raised the Iranian flag.
In a statement, a Met Police spokesman said: ‘During a protest at the Iranian embassy on Friday 16 January, a protester unlawfully entered private property and crossed several balconies, climbed onto the embassy terrace and raised his flag.
‘A group of protesters then attempted to prevent his lawful arrest and dispersal tactics were used by officers to ensure public safety and prevent further disturbances.
‘Officers arrested the man on suspicion of criminal damage, trespassing on diplomatic property and assaulting police. He is currently under police custody.
Four police officers were injured and 14 people were arrested after violent clashes with protesters outside Iran’s embassy in London, the Metropolitan Police said. One of those arrested allegedly climbed the building in Kensington and raised the Iranian flag
Dramatic footage shared online showed a man perched on the embassy balcony as other protesters chanted slogans and waved flags on the ground below.
Demonstrations are taking place outside the embassy amid widespread anti-government protests in Iran, where more than 2,000 protesters have reportedly been killed, according to a US-based human rights group.
‘A further 13 people were arrested for offenses including violent disorder, assaulting an emergency worker, criminal damage and trespassing on diplomatic premises.’
Demonstrations are taking place outside the embassy amid widespread anti-government protests in Iran, where more than 2,000 protesters have reportedly been killed, according to a US-based human rights group.
Police said a Section 35 dispersal order was issued outside the embassy due to the ongoing unrest.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman added: ‘There is a significant police presence, including additional officers deployed during the evening hours to prevent further disorder.’
London Ambulance Service said it was called at 8.45pm to an incident at the junction of Exhibition Road and Kensington Road.
The service confirmed four people were taken to hospital and two were treated at the scene.
Police said on Friday night a protester climbed from balconies to the embassy roof and raised the flag before being detained.
Dramatic footage shared online showed a man perched on the embassy balcony as other protesters chanted slogans and waved flags on the ground below.
The man is then seen jumping off the ledge and once he reaches the ground, baton-wielding police officers surround him.
Moments later, protesters lunged at the police, leading to violent clashes as officers used their batons to push the demonstrators back.
The man who climbed onto the balcony was later seen being dragged away by the police.
Footage shows police violently clashing with protesters outside the Iranian embassy in London after an activist climbed the building and pulled down the Islamic Republic flag.
Some activists appear to be crushed amid the chaos, while others collapse to the ground.
As the protesters continue to attack the police, two police officers can be seen removing the man from the scene.
Amid the chaos, one officer was seen falling on top of the man as two officers were pulled to the ground.
Protesters continue to shout at officers, with some officers telling them to ‘get back’.
In a separate video, the activist is seen lifting the Iranian flag from the balcony as protesters cheer.
The Daily Mail has approached the Metropolitan Police for comment on the video.
The man who climbed onto the balcony was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, trespassing on diplomatic property and assaulting police.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement that a number of people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, with section 35 being applied as a result of the ongoing disorder.
A spokesman for the force said on Friday night: ‘During the ongoing protest at the Iranian Embassy this evening, a protester unlawfully entered private property and climbed onto the roof of the Embassy, passing over several balconies and hoisting a flag.
‘He has since been arrested by police officers on suspicion of criminal damage, trespassing on diplomatic property and assaulting police.
‘A section 35 order was issued as a result of the ongoing disorder, which included missiles being fired at officers. ‘Many police officers were injured.’
