One of the largest far-right demonstrations in the UK in recent years turned violent on Saturday, as more than 110,000 anti-immigration protesters marched through central London, clashing with police and leaving 26 officers injured, four of them seriously.

The “Unite the Kingdom” march, organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, drew a crowd far exceeding expectations, with police estimating attendance between 110,000 and 150,000. Officers struggled to contain violent elements within the protest, while also keeping demonstrators separated from around 5,000 counter-protesters gathered at Whitehall.

According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were subjected to “unacceptable violence,” including physical and verbal assaults, as some protesters attempted to break through security cordons. The serious injuries sustained by police included broken teeth, a suspected broken nose, concussion, a spinal injury, and head trauma.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist acknowledged that while many attended the march to protest lawfully, “there were many who came intent on violence.” He warned that arrests will continue, saying: “We are identifying those involved in the disorder, and they can expect robust police action in the coming days and weeks.”

At least 25 people were arrested during the clashes, with police describing the detentions as “only the beginning.”

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood strongly condemned the attacks on police officers, stressing that “anyone engaged in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.”(ILKHA)