London police arrest protesters for breaking coronavirus laws at US Embassy
Following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota on Monday, protests have broken out across the US. On Sunday, numbers of people also gathered in central London to protest the death of Mr Floyd. However, with the UK still in lockdown amid the coronavirus, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed they were forced to make three arrests in relation to COVID-19 legislation.
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In a tweet this evening, the police also confirmed there were also two arrests for assaulting a police officer.
The statement said: “Police have made five arrests during the gathering that took place outside the US Embassy earlier today.
“Three arrests were for breaches of COVID legislation and two were for assault on police.
“Those arrested are aged between 17–25 years.
London protests: Police confirm arrests (Image: PA)
London news: Protestors descended on central London (Image: PA)
“All have been taken into police custody.”
Protestors also headed towards the US Embassy in Battersea in south London.
Chants of “say his name: George Floyd”, were shouted as they moved towards the embassy.
On Sunday, large numbers of people descended on Trafalgar Square where they paid tribute to Mr Floyd.
JUST IN: Hundreds break lockdown in London as they protest George Floyd’s death
London news: Number of people gathered to protest against the death of George Floyd (Image: PA)
US Ambassador to the UK Woody Johnson wrote on Twitter: “Freedom of Speech and Assembly are cornerstones of a healthy democracy.
“I thank those peacefully making their views heard today outside the US Embassy in London and the Met police for ensuring everyone’s safety.”
As represented by the low number of arrests, the majority of the protests were peaceful on Sunday.
The group departed later in the afternoon.
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London: Thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square (Image: PA)
While there, they held placards stating “Black Lives Matter”.
At 1pm, they also knelt in tribute to the fallen 46-year-old.
Although peaceful, the protestors broke social distancing measures put in place by the Government.
The social distancing measures have been put into place to protect the NHS and prevent a sharp rise in infections.
UK alert system (Image: Express)
Under Government guidance, when leaving the household you should maintain a two-metre distance where possible.
You should also avoid crowds in order to lower the risk of transmission.
London: They chanted ‘Black Lives Matter’ (Image: PA)
While protests in the UK have relatively been peaceful, in the US chaos has erupted across the country.
The National Guard were called into Minnesota on Saturday while Donald Trump has now claimed, Antifa will now be classed as a terrorist organisation.
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