The Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command is appealing to the public for assistance in identifying a number of individuals who were seen wearing clothing or holding signs advocating for terrorist organisations during pro-Palestine protests in central London.
Following the massive pro-Palestine marches that took place over Armistice Weekend, specialist teams of officers are investigating a series of allegations. However, the large and densely packed crowds at the protests have made it challenging for officers to immediately identify and apprehend individuals of interest. Additionally, investigators suspect that some individuals photographed on social media may have only briefly worn clothing or headscarves associated with the extremist cause during the time the image was taken.
The Counter Terrorism officers are particularly interested in identifying eleven men involved in various incidents during the protests. They have released descriptions of these individuals and are seeking the public’s help in bringing them to justice.
The first appeal is related to an allegation of incitement of racial hatred during an anti-Semitic chanting incident at a pro-Palestine march on Armistice Day (reference 0326386/23). The police are keen to speak to two men seen in social media footage. The first man (ref 0326386/23A) is described as looking aged between 20 and 30, light-skinned, with a beard, and wearing a black baseball cap with a white front panel. The second man (ref 0326386/23B) is described as aged 20-30, with light skin, short dark hair, a beard, and a goatee, and wearing a black puffer coat.
The second appeal relates to an allegation of support for a proscribed organisation by engaging in pro-Hamas chanting at a protest in Trafalgar Square (reference 6579293/23). The police are seeking information on two men seen in social media footage. The first man (6579293/23A) is described as aged 40-50, of Asian heritage, with a grey beard, and wearing a dark hoodie with a distinctive white square on the left breast. The second man (6579293/23B) is described as aged 20-30, wearing a black hoodie, gray tracksuit bottoms, and a green neck covering.
The third appeal pertains to an investigation into allegations of inciting racial hatred and displaying support for a proscribed organisation during a pro-Palestine protest on King Charles Street (reference 6573676/23). Police wish to speak to six men seen in social media footage. The descriptions of these individuals, along with their reference numbers, can be found in the original article.
In the fourth appeal, officers are continuing their efforts to identify a man who was seen waving a placard supporting Hamas during a protest on Bond Street (reference 5121298/23). The man, described as having short hair, light skin, and wearing a blue jacket with a light top and scarf, remains unidentified.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, urged the public to come forward with any information, no matter how small, to assist in identifying these individuals. He emphasised that the images released by the police are clear and expressed confidence that there are people who will recognise the men. He further encouraged the individuals themselves, if they recognised themselves, to go to a police station to facilitate communication with the authorities.
Anyone with information about these individuals is urged to report it in confidence online at gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321.
