A Black Lives Matter protest taking place in London has tonight erupted into violence as a number of demonstrators have clashed with police, resulting in riot police being called into the nation's capital.
As the protest began to come to an end, a number of demonstrators stayed behind and turned violent. A police van outside Downing Street was attacked and damaged around 9.30pm with the two police officers being helpless to intervene.
The group of demonstrators then turned their attention to the gates and officers protecting Downing Street, the residence of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, where glass bottles and other objects were thrown. While most protesters left the area relatively peacefully, Britain will be keen to avoid scenes similar to those seen across the USA.
Riots in #London.#BlackLivesMatter
— Rohit Roy (@realrohitroy) June 3, 2020
pic.twitter.com/WeVRykPfR6
The Clashes tonight follow earlier violence which took place this evening which saw one police officer assaulted and punched in the face as officers struggled to remain in control of the large crowd.
UK, Rioters in London attack police as they attempt to load a criminal into the van.#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/PvBvBRI3tz
— Farhang F. Namdar (@FarhangNamdar) June 3, 2020
It appears that the UK police are not in full control of the situation however with many police officers seen fleeing from the rioters and giving up ground. Unlike their US counterparts, the Metropolitan police have refused to stand their ground despite the number of rioters appearing to number the low hundreds.
London. Police in retweet. Shambolic. pic.twitter.com/sZWVpkku0d
— David Vance (@DVATW) June 3, 2020
While the clashes in London are not on the scale as those seen in cities across the USA, the violence will no doubt come as a concern to Prime Minister Boris Johnson who will be keen to avoid an escalation, particularly given the current lockdown due to coronavirus.