UK police arrest men on suspicion of assault near Iran’s London embassy

British police arrested eight men earlier today, including seven on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, following reports of an altercation involving pro and anti-Iranian protesters at a location close to the Iranian embassy in London.

London’s Metropolitan Police says a man had been taken into custody after he was arrested on suspicion of breaching conditions temporarily banning protest gatherings in the area until Sunday.

“Seven other men remain in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm,” the police say in a statement.

Local media reports that the arrests took place at a protest against the Iranian leadership.

Police do not link the arrests to the Iranian embassy, but say they took place on Prince’s Gate in London, which is where the embassy is located.

“Two men were treated for injuries at the scene and have been taken to hospital for further treatment by the London Ambulance Service,” the police said in an earlier statement.

Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, the police say in an update.

“Police have cordoned off the area while initial investigations take place.”