Palestine protesters march through London en masse as TENS OF THOUSANDS demand end to Yemen air strikes
Palestine protesters are marching to Parliament Square
GB NEWS/ PA
Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters have gathered in London to take part in a mass march through the capital.
The event, which comes just days after the UK and US carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen, started at around midday on Queen Victoria Street and is set to end in Parliament Square.
Protesters were seen filing past St Paul’s, with one man holding a placard claiming Yemen “supports Palestine”.
The placard read: “UK + US wants war. Yemen supports Palestine. Gaza wants to live.”
The Met Police has deployed hundreds of officers in order to try and ensure that there is no trouble at the march
MET POLICE
The Met Police has deployed hundreds of officers in order to try and ensure that there is no trouble at the march.
Warnings have been issued that any placards deemed to be antisemitic will be confiscated and activists potentially arrested.
"Around 1,700 officers will be on duty to police the march on Saturday, including many from forces outside London," the Met said in a statement on Friday.
"Officers are there to ensure the events take place safely and peacefully, that disruption to other members of the public is kept to a minimum and that any offences are seen and dealt with."
Protesters have been warned they must stick to an agreed route
MET POLICE
It added: "The majority of protests and other events held in recent months have taken place without any notable disorder, with most people attending to express their views in a lawful and peaceful way.
"Regrettably not everyone has acted responsibly and we have seen multiple arrests at a number of protests.
"In particular, there have been repeated examples of placards, banners and other items being carried or worn, or statements being chanted, that have crossed the line into religiously or racially aggravated offences.
"Some have even been so serious as to be dealt with under the Terrorism Act.
"The Met’s Counter Terrorism Command has launched around 30 investigations into suspected offending at protests since 7 October, the majority of which relate to potential terrorism offences. Officers will be working again this weekend to identify any further offences."
A set route for the march has been set out by police with those participating in the march warned not to deviate from the agreed path. A strict 5pm curfew has also been set.