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Tommy Robinson protest: Police identify four people wanted in connection with London rally violence

Scaffolding, bottles and street furniture thrown at officers during afternoon of disorder

Tom Embury-Dennis
Thursday 26 July 2018 01:39 BST
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Tommy Robinson supporters attack police with road signs and traffic cones

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Police have identified four people wanted in connection with violence at a protest in support of imprisoned far-right figure Tommy Robinson.

Detectives published images of nine suspects on Monday following disruption last month which saw scaffolding, glass bottles and street furniture thrown at officers.

By Wednesday, four had been found by police following a public appeal, with five still unidentified.

“Detectives are continuing to appeal for the public’s help in identifying individuals they would like to speak to in connection with serious disorder which occurred during the Free Tommy Robinson Protest,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement, alongside an image of the five.

More than 20 people were injured during the trouble in Whitehall, central London, on 9 June. Vehicles and buildings were damaged.

Detective constable Jonny Wise, from the Metropolitan Police’s public order investigations team, said: “During this demonstration violent disorder broke out on the streets of central London. Scaffolding, glass bottles and items of street furniture were thrown at police officers and 21 officers sustained injuries.

Police release images of five people wanted following violence at far right rally
Police release images of five people wanted following violence at far right rally (Met Police)

“Serious disruption was caused to members of the public, local businesses and the local communities. Vehicles and buildings were damaged and those responsible need to be held accountable for their actions.

“We are grateful to the public for their help so far in identifying individuals we would like to speak to in connection with this disorder. I am now appealing for continued support from members of the public to help identify the remaining five individuals in these images.”

The demonstration took place in protest at the jailing of English Defence League founder Robinson – real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – who admitted contempt of court after broadcasting details of a trial that was subject to temporary reporting restrictions.

Supporters were filmed giving Nazi salutes and holding anti-Islam banners – although there is no suggestion any of the nine people pictured did so. Nine people were arrested on the day itself.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Met on 020 8246 0076 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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