Police issue major update on Palestine Action London protest as more than 500 arrested

The Metropolitan Police arrested 532 people during protests showing support for Palestine Action in London on Saturday. Of these, 522 were for displaying placards in support of the proscribed organisation, which is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000. The vast majority were made during the protest in Parliament Square, which saw many people sit in silence holding signs reading "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action".

Just one arrest was made during a separate demonstration in Russell Square by Palestine Coalition. There were a further six arrests for assaults on officers, one for obstructnig a constable, two for breaching the Public Order Act, and one of a racially aggravated public order offence.

The force said those detained were taken to prisoner processing points in the Westminster area. Those whose details could be confirmed were bailed, with conditions not to attend any further protest in support of Palestine Action.

Those whose details were refused, or could not be verified, were taken to custody suites across London.

The Met added: "We believe that 30 people arrested at the protest on Saturday had been arrested at previous recent protests in support of Palestine Action in London.

"We're not in a position to confirm if any of those arrested had been arrested recently at protests outside London."

There has also been footage circulating on social media appearing to show protesters returning to Parliament Square after being released on bail.

The Met said it was aware of this, but was confident none of the people who re-joined the demonstration were holding placards.

It added: "Given the numbers of people arrested yesterday it would have been entirely unrealistic for officers to recognise individuals who returned to the area.

"Their focus was rightly on those continuing to commit offences who were still to be arrested. We are as confident as we can be that none of those who returned to Parliament Square re-joined the protesters who were holding placards."