Met Police arrest 17 protesters during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Officers have made 17 arrests so far, the Metropolitan Police said, as part of a “significant” policing operation across the capital in response to the planned protest and memorial events. Pro-Palestinian activists gathered in Bedford Square on Saturday morning amid a heavy police presence Organisers said demonstrators planned to “target” companies and institutions they claim are “complicit in Israel’s crimes”. Protesters blocked Tottenham Court Road by gathering outside a Barclays branch just after midday, with a sign held near the entrance reading: “Shame on those who looked away from the sadistic genocide of mainly children in Gaza and the West Bank.” A short while later they blocked Gower Street near the British Museum, and police appeared to form a line to prevent the group from meeting up with another group of activists in Russell Square. Pro-Palestine demonstrators march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign The march culminated outside Downing Street with protestors chanting “free, free Palestine” as speakers continued to criticise Sir Keir Starmer’s government.