HUNDREDS of protesters are clashing with police outside Downing Street just 24 hours after riots began in Southport.
Some protesters even threw flares as tensions rose following Monday’s horrific stabbings.
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Crowds of protesters were seen with their fists in the air, while another shows three police vans lined up in front of the Cenotaph.
Images shared on social media from London this evening showed flares lit in the streets as members of the crowd shouted “save our children” and waved national flags.
Police officers were photographed wearing riot gear as some protesters shouted and threw cans and glass bottles.
Other protesters tried to tear down a fence and were confronted by riot police during the clashes.
Since then, protesters have been surrounded by police around the Cenotaph, with more than a dozen protesters already detained by police.
Police arrested a man wearing a balaclava near Downing Street as violent scenes continued in the capital.
Officers were seen wrestling the man off the road and onto the sidewalk.
The demonstration called ‘Enough is Enough’ saw participants told they could only protest in Whitehall between 7pm and 8.30pm.
Previously, the Metropolitan Police imposed conditions on the protest, stating that protesters must remain in a certain area and disperse by 8:30 p.m.
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Met Superintendent Neil Holyoak said: “Following the tragic events in Southport, it is understandable that the public has strong feelings about this shocking incident – but the subsequent violent and lawless disorder that unfolded was completely unacceptable and driven by misinformation.
“Everyone has the right to protest and we continue to balance the right to lawful protest with everyone’s right to live their lives without fear or serious disruption – which is why we have created conditions and deployed more officers across London.
“We are speaking to protest organizers as well as local community groups, businesses and faith leaders, in particular the Muslim community who have been affected by this week’s disorder in Southport. “I ask everyone to exercise their right to protest calmly and within the law.
“Any disturbances will be resolved quickly.”
Yesterday’s riots in Southport saw protesters attempt to attack a mosque with police vehicles set on fire.
Police officers suffered serious injuries when bricks, stones and bottles were thrown in chaotic scenes.
Merseyside Police said more than 50 officers were injured in the mayhem.
Speculation about the identity of the alleged attacker circulated online, fueling tension that already existed following Monday’s horrific attack.
Despite claims on social media, officers emphasized that the suspect was born in Cardiff.
The mother of Elsie Stancombe – one of three victims of the attack so far – condemned the violence and called on protesters to stop.
In a message shared widely online, Jenni Stancombe said: “This is the only thing I will write, but please stop the violence in Southport tonight.
“The police have been nothing but heroic over the last 24 hours and they and we don’t need this.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
