Nine people were arrested on Saturday after clashes broke out between police and protesters during a massive anti-immigration rally in central London that drew more than 100,000 participants.
The demonstration, led by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson under the banner “Unite the Kingdom,” quickly escalated as officers faced flying bottles, flares, and assaults while trying to keep the crowd along its approved route through Whitehall.
The Metropolitan Police condemned the “unacceptable violence” and acknowledged that the protest grew beyond expectations, forcing the deployment of 1,600 officers and an additional 500 reinforcements from outside London.
Demonstrators waved Union Jacks, St George’s Crosses, and even American and Israeli flags, while some wore red “MAGA” caps linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump. Placards carried slogans such as “Send them home” and “We want our country back.” Children were also spotted in the crowd.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, declared the rally “the spark of a cultural revolution,” while billionaire Elon Musk appeared via video link to endorse the movement and criticize the UK government’s handling of migration.
Countering the march, around 5,000 people rallied nearby under the banner of Stand Up to Racism, urging tolerance and unity.
Authorities confirmed more arrests are likely as investigations into the unrest continue.
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