Hundreds of protestors clash with police on Bonfire Night in London

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Nearly hundreds of anti-establishment activists clashed with police on Bonfire Night in central London. Eight officers were injured and twelve people arrested on Friday, as per the Metropolitan Police.

Protesters wearing Guy Fawkes-style masks gathered at Trafalgar Square, with some throwing fireworks at police. A crowd watched an effigy of Prime Minister Boris Johnson being burned, with one member shouting “burn, Boris, burn”.

The rally, which is known as the Million Mask March, then moved to Parliament Square where they faced police wearing protective gear. Many of the demonstrators held signs protesting against the coronavirus lockdown, while some were seen setting off fireworks and using laser pointers.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement that a dispersal order was in place for “a number of areas” across Westminster, including Parliament Square. He mentioned that a total of 12 arrests were made while policing to the demonstrations across London for a variety of offences.

The Met also said that a crowd in Parliament Square has been dangerously lighting fireworks and rockets. Some have struck people or exploded near to the crowd, this could cause very serious injury. He mentioned that authorities moved into the crowd to remove any fireworks and prevent people coming to harm.

Ahead of the protest, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jane Connors said groups of course have the right to protest but she is am particularly concerned that some groups are specifically intending to travel into London to deliberately cause violence and disorder including targeting police officers.

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