Violence erupts at Robinson rally - 26 police hurt, 25 arrested

More than 20 people were arrested at Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom rally in London (Lucy North/PA) Lucy North

At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers injured during Tommy Robinson's "Unite the Kingdom" protest in London. Four officers sustained serious injuries including broken teeth, a possible broken nose, concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury.

The demonstration drew between 110,000 and 150,000 attendees, significantly exceeding organisers' estimates. Around 5,000 anti-racism campaigners mounted a counter-protest elsewhere in the capital.

Violence erupted when Tesla and X owner Elon Musk made a guest appearance at the rally. The events began largely peacefully but confrontations developed as the day progressed.

Violence erupts at protest

Officers faced physical and verbal abuse from demonstrators attempting to breach police cordons. The Robinson crowd was too big to fit into Whitehall, leading to confrontation when police tried to stop them accessing the area from different routes and encircling counter-protesters.

Projectiles were thrown towards counter-demonstrators as thousands from both sides faced each other on Whitehall. A glass bottle appeared to smash against a police horse, causing the animal and rider to stagger backwards.

Scuffles broke out as police used batons to push back thousands of Robinson supporters gathered at Whitehall and Trafalgar Square to allow counter-protesters to leave safely. More than 100 helmeted officers and dozens of mounted police eventually pushed the largely dispersed Robinson supporters back towards Embankment station.

Official condemnation

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned protesters who attacked police and vowed that anyone "taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law". People were arrested for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist described the violence as "wholly unacceptable". He said: "There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe."

Police warned that more arrests are likely as their post-event investigation identifies those involved in the disorder. Twist said: "Our post-event investigation has already begun - we are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks."

International speakers gather

The protest featured speakers including Musk, who proclaimed the "destruction of Britain" because of "massive uncontrolled migration" during an interview with Robinson. Other speakers included former actor Laurence Fox, former Apprentice candidate Katie Hopkins, and television personality Ant Middleton who is running to be Mayor of London.

European politicians present included far-right French politician Eric Zemmour, who came fourth in the first round of the 2022 French presidential election. Danish People's Party leader Morten Messerschmidt, Petr Bystron of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, Polish right-wing politician Dominik Tarczynski, and Belgian anti-immigration activist Filip Dewinter also addressed the crowd.

The "Unite the Kingdom" rally overran the 6pm police-imposed cut-off time, while the Stand Up To Racism counter-protest was scheduled to finish at 4pm.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.