The Metropolitan Police have apprehended four individuals on suspicion of terrorism-related offences during a pro-Palestine protest that took place in Westminster on Saturday, January 13.
Metropolitan police officers arrested a 34-year-old man from south-east Kent, a 58-year-old man from west London, and a 36-year-old woman from South Yorkshire on suspicion of inviting support for a proscribed organization, which contravenes section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000. These arrests transpired during a demonstration held at Victoria Embankment on the aforementioned date.
The arrests occurred at approximately 16:00hrs and culminated with the suspects being taken into custody at a West London police station.
Subsequently, a fourth individual sought by the police was arrested on Sunday, January 14, when vigilant Metropolitan police officers identified him among participants in a protest against the counter-terrorism arrests outside a west London police station. This 49-year-old individual hails from south London and was arrested on suspicion of inviting support for a proscribed organization at around 15:00hrs.
All four detainees have been granted bail and are expected to return to a west London police station in late March.
The police have conducted searches at four addresses located in south-east Kent, South Yorkshire, west London, and south London as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, in collaboration with other policing units, has launched approximately 30 investigations into suspected criminal activities at protests, with the majority involving potential terrorism offences.
Commander Dominic Murphy, who heads the Met Counter Terrorism Command, affirmed, “The vast majority of people attending protests are doing so peacefully. There are consequences for those who are not, and where officers see people supporting proscribed organizations, we will take action, as we did this weekend.
Further information regarding proscribed organizations can be found online.
The UK’s threat level remains at “substantial,” and the public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information in confidence. Reports can be made online at gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321.
