Two arrested at pro-Palestinian ‘day of action’ in London

Police in London say they arrested two people Saturday during pro-Palestinian events, part of a “day of action” organized by campaigners around Britain.

In the south London neighborhood of Brixton, a man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offense for holding a placard, the Metropolitan Police say.

Officers who made the arrest were then surrounded by other protesters and initially blocked from driving away, police say. A teenage boy was arrested for damaging a police vehicle.

When officers tried to leave the area their vehicle was surrounded by other protesters. Some sat in the road blocking their path.

Additional officers were deployed and the arrested man is now on his way to custody. Officers remain at the scene and will take action if further… pic.twitter.com/rYOhDEJY7g

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) December 2, 2023

In contrast to demonstrations on previous weekends since the Israel-Hamas war began, with marches by tens of thousands of protesters in central London, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called for a “day of action” with events held across the UK.

Events include ceasefire rallies and vigils in places such as London, Hull in the north of England, Coventry in the center and the Welsh capital of Cardiff.

Earlier, London police said 436 arrests had been made since October 7 in connection with the Israel-Hamas war, including 134 held for suspected hate crimes.