George Floyd: London anti-racism protests leave 27 officers hurt

An injured police officers is attended to after falling off her horse Image copyright Press Association
Image caption A police officer knocked form her horse was among 14 injured during clashes with protesters on Saturday

A total of 27 police officers have been injured during a series of anti-racism protests, 14 on Saturday, the Met Police has revealed.

Dame Cressida Dick, Met Police Commissioner, said the attacks were "shocking and completely unacceptable".

Protests on Saturday were largely peaceful, but were marred later by the disturbances outside Downing Street.

The officers were hurt in a series of protest in the capital sparked by George Floyd's death in the US.

More demonstrations planned across the UK later.

In a statement Dame Cressida, the UK's most senior officer, thanked officers at the protest for their "extreme patience and professionalism".

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Media captionThousands of protesters gathered in cities in the UK - in London, missiles were thrown and a police horse bolted

She said: "I am deeply saddened and depressed that a minority of protesters became violent towards officers in central London yesterday evening.

"This led to 14 officers being injured, in addition to 13 hurt in earlier protests this week.

"We have made a number of arrests and justice will follow. I know many who were seeking to make their voices heard will be as appalled as I am by those scenes.

"I would urge protesters to please find another way to make your views heard which does not involve coming out on the streets of London, risking yourself, your families and officers as we continue to face this deadly virus."

Image copyright Reuters
Image caption The majority of the day's protests clashed with police outside Downing Street

Thousands of people took part in anti-racism demonstrations across London on Saturday.

The majority of the day's protests were peaceful but in the evening there were disturbances outside Downing Street.

BBC home affairs correspondent Tom Symonds said the protest was largely over when missiles and fireworks were thrown at a police line.

One Mounted Branch officer remains in hospital after she was knocked from her horse when it hit a set of traffic lights whilst appearing to bolt.

The officer had struggled to stay in control as she was riding down the street surrounded by protesters.

A rally is scheduled later to be staged outside the US Embassy in Battersea, south-west London.

Demonstrations are also scheduled in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.