890 arrests at Palestine Action protest

890 people were arrested at the weekend during a protest in support proscribed group Palestine Action.

857 people were arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 (TACT) for showing support for Palestine Action and 33 people were arrested for other offences, including 17 for assaults on police officers.

Those whose details could be confirmed were released on bail to appear at a police station at a future date.

Anyone who refused to provide details or was arrested while already on bail were transported to one of a number of Met Police custody suites.

All 857 individuals arrested for Terrorism Act Offences will now be investigated by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart who led the policing operation said:

“I’d like to thank all officers involved in yesterday’s operation for their professionalism and tireless work despite the level of abuse that they faced.

“The violence we encountered during the operation was coordinated and carried out by a group of people, many wearing masks to conceal their identity, intent on creating as much disorder as possible. Many of those individuals have now been arrested and we have begun securing charges."

Defend Our Juries, which organised the rally, said protests against proscription will continue until the ban is lifted.