Anarchists clash with riot police and set off flares and fireworks outside Parliament as hundreds of anti-vaxxers and Communists descend on central London for the annual Million Mask March they vow ‘will go down in history’
- Police deployed barricades and defences in an attempt to contain hordes of protestors in Westminster
- Hundreds of officers in riot gear have been deployed as they face off with hordes of protestors
- The anarchists are parading through the streets touting effigies of Boris Johnson and wearing full face masksÂ
- The Million Mask March has been held annually since 2012 but becomes more violent each year with protestors rallying against the government
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The Met police could be in for a vicious fight tonight as hundreds of protesters descend on London for the annual Million Mask March which they have vowed ‘will go down in history’.
The march, which has been held each year since 2012, sees anarchists and anti-establishment protestors rally against government corruption, wealth inequality and, as of last year, coronavirus restrictions.Â
Hordes of protestors sporting Guy Fawkes masks, flares and weapons are spoiling for a fight with the law, forcing the police to set up barricades at various locations across the capital and deploy in riot gear to contend with the threats.Â
It comes as families and children all over London are out in droves to celebrate bonfire night as they attend fireworks displays all over the city.
Anarchists have been spotted touting Boris Johnson effigies as they parade around the streets of Westminster, one of which was set ablaze in Trafalgar Square.Â
Police say that no arrests have yet been made as they attempt to keep the protest as peaceful as possible.Â
Almost 200 people, including businessman and prominent anti-vaxxer Piers Corbyn, were arrested in last year’s march for breaching Covid restrictions.
Protestors carry an effigy of Boris Johnson as they parade around the streets of the capital
The Prime Minister’s effigy was later seen set ablaze in Trafalgar Square
The Police have been forced to deploy barricades and defences as they gear up for a vicious clash with protestorsÂ
Anarchists and anti-establishment protesters are marching through Westminster and Trafalgar Square touting signs and flares
Hundreds of officers have been deployed to reign in the march which takes place as families and children are out in droves to celebrate bonfire night as they attend fireworks displays all over the city
A protestor wearing a Guy Fawkes masks sets off a sparkler during the Million Masks March protest in Parliament square
The Met police released a statement this morning in anticipation of the protest, saying that intelligence suggests some protestors have travelled to London to target police officers.
Mounted divisions and dog units have also been called in to support the police’s efforts to prevent the march from descending into a full-blown riot. Â
‘This policing plan has been developed following a continual review and thorough assessment of intelligence which suggests some groups are intent on causing disorder or targeting police officers with violence,’ said a Met spokesperson.
‘As a precaution, officers will be equipped with specialist public order uniforms and a number of protective barriers have been set up outside a number of locations in London.
Different units across the Met will also support today’s policing plan, including our public order teams, mounted branch, police dogs and the National Police Air Service.’
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