The Metropolitan Police have issued a fresh appeal for help to identify 18 additional people suspected of public order offences and assaults on emergency workers during the “Unite the Kingdom” march in central London.
The rally, which took place on 13 September and was organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, is estimated to have drawn a crowd of between 110,000 and 150,000 people. It featured a number of speeches and was billed by organisers as the “biggest freedom of speech event” in British history.
A separate anti-racism counter-protest attended by approximately 5,000 campaigners was also held on the same day. The two groups clashed at points along Whitehall and in Trafalgar Square, where they were kept apart by extensive lines of police officers.
The initial police operation resulted in 24 arrests, 23 of whom are believed to have been involved with the Unite the Kingdom rally, and one from the counter-protest.
Last week, the force launched an appeal to identify 11 individuals, one of whom was successfully identified. Officers are now seeking to speak to a further 18 people and have released 16 new images as part of their investigation.
The Met has previously reported that 26 officers were assaulted during the protests, stating they were kicked and punched. They also confirmed that “bottles, flares and other projectiles were also thrown and concerted attempts were made to get past barriers.”
Detective Chief Inspector Natalie Norris, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our post-event investigation continues and officers have looked through hundreds of hours of CCTV footage to review evidence to help with further inquiries.
“We have 28 people we want to speak to in connection with a range of offences – and we are again appealing for the public’s help to track them down.”
Noting that many people may have travelled from outside the capital to attend, DCI Norris said she was asking people “across the country” to view the released images and to get in touch if they recognise anyone.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police.
