Four Metropolitan Police officers sustained minor injuries and fourteen individuals were arrested following a night of violent disorder outside the Iranian Embassy in London. The clashes erupted on Friday evening after a protester scaled the building and removed the national flag.
Chaos Erupts After Flag Removal
The incident began when an activist illegally accessed private diplomatic property on Princes Gate, Kensington. The man climbed across multiple balconies onto the embassy terrace and removed the Iranian flag, an act met with cheers from a crowd of demonstrators gathered below. Police were called to the scene just before 9pm GMT on Friday, 16 January.
When officers moved in to detain the man on the ground, a group of protesters attempted to prevent his lawful arrest. This intervention sparked violent confrontations. Missiles were thrown at police, leading to the injuries of four officers, who were subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
Multiple Arrests and Police Response
In response to the escalating violence, police employed dispersal tactics to ensure public safety and prevent further disorder. The Met imposed a Section 35 dispersal order in the area due to the ongoing unrest.
The man who scaled the building was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, trespass on diplomatic property, and assaulting police. He remains in custody. A further thirteen arrests were made for a range of offences including violent disorder, assault of an emergency worker, criminal damage, and trespass on diplomatic premises.
A significant police presence, including additional officers deployed through the evening, remained at the scene to prevent further trouble. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed they treated six people in total, with four transported to hospital and two treated at the scene near the junction of Exhibition Road and Kensington Road.
Background of the Demonstrations
The protest is part of a series of demonstrations held outside the Iranian Embassy in London, reflecting solidarity with widespread anti-government protests inside Iran. According to a US-based human rights group, more than 2,000 protesters have reportedly been killed in the unrest within the country.
The Metropolitan Police reiterated its commitment to facilitating peaceful protest while taking robust action against those who engage in violence and criminal behaviour, particularly against officers and on protected diplomatic premises.
