Hundreds of Black Lives Matter protesters clashed with police officers today as thousands descended upon the nation’s capital to take part in the anti-racism rally.
Violent scenes showed police officers bleeding, fireworks being launched on the street and protesters dragged across the road as a peaceful protest turned violent again in Whitehall, London, today,
The shocking images come as demonstrations continue to increase around the world after George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died after police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25 for nine minutes.
Despite the majority of the protests remaining peaceful throughout the day, violence erupted on Whitehall yet again, with images showing officers and protesters suffering injuries during the melee.
A police officer sits on the ground and receives medical attention after demonstrations became violent during a Black Lives Matter protested in London today
A firework is set off as clashes take place between police officers and Black Lives Matter demonstrators in Whitehall, London
A protestor is pulled away peaceful demonstrations in the capital turn violent in the wake of the death of George Floyd in the U.S.
Police carrying batons and wearing protective helmets clash with demonstrators during the Black Lives Matter protest
Outside Downing Street some demonstrators were seen turning violent as police officers tried to control the mass chaos and form a barricade.
It comes just a day after Met Police Commissioner, Dame Cressida Dick, revealed that 14 police officers had been hurt during anti-racism protests in London yesterday evening which saw a police officer injured after falling off her horse
In a statement yesterday the police chief said: ‘I am deeply saddened and depressed that a minority of protesters became violent towards officers in central London yesterday evening,’ she said.
‘This led to 14 officers being injured, in addition to 13 hurt in earlier protests this week.
‘We have made a number of arrests and justice will follow. I know many who were seeking to make their voices heard will be as appalled as I am by those scenes.
‘I would urge protesters to please find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London, risking yourself, your families and officers as we continue to face [the deadly coronavirus].’
The images come as Black Lives Matter protesters tore down a statue of 17th century slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol today and dumped it in the harbour.
Footage showed demonstrators, packed closely together – despite social distancing guidelines, heaving the metal monument down with ropes before cheering and dancing around it, with many placing their knees on the fallen statue as it lay on the ground.
Officers carrying protective shield stand guard after a flare hits the pavement during the anti-racism rally in London
Flares are launched into the air as police and demonstrators clash during Black Lives Matter protest in the nation’s capital today
Police and protesters clash once again as a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest turns violent in Whitehall, London today
Police officers form a line and prevent demonstrators from entering King Charles Street in London today as protests continue to take place
A protester (left and right) is restrained by police before being taken away from the scenes in hand-cuffs as the demonstrations continue
Protesters and police face each other during the Black Lives Matter protest in London today just a day after it was revealed 14 officers had been left injured during the demonstrations in the city yesterday
A person wearing a black hooded jumper and a balaclava is restrained by police and escorted away from the violent scenes
Police stretch out their arms and urge protesters to move back amid the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in London today
A demonstrator wearing a face mask is detained by police officers during the Black Lives Matter protest today in London
The statue, which had been in place since 1895, has been a subject of controversy in recent years. The most recent petition to remove it garnered more than 11,000 signatures.
Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid has condemned protesters’ decision to force it down today, declaring on Twitter: ‘This is not OK’. Home Secretary Priti Patel branded the act as ‘utterly disgraceful’.
The scenes come as demonstrations continue to increase around the world after George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died after police officer Derek Chauvin put his knee on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25 for nine minutes.
Following the death of George Floyd, three other officers who were also present at the scene, Thomas Lane, J Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao – were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
Officers stand guard as demonstrators continue in Whitehall, London, today following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month
Police form a barrier against some of the protesters as the peaceful protest once agin turns violent in Whitehall, London, today
Clashes begin to take place between police and demonstrators today as the Black Lives Matter protest turns violent
Hundreds of protesters descended upon Whitehall in London today to demand justice for the police killing of George Floyd and show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement
Protesters wave signs showing their support of the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd in America