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Two men arrested for alleged attack on anti-racism activists at Tommy Robinson rally | UK news

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Two men were arrested at Tommy Robinson’s rally in London on Saturday after an anti-racism activist was attacked, police said.

The Stand Up To Racism activist was taking part in a counter-demonstration when he “sustained a head injury” in Victoria Embankment Gardens, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Both men were arrested on suspicion of “serious bodily harm,” they added.

He received first aid from officers and will be taken to hospital for examination,” a police spokesman said.

“We are aware of some speculation on social media that the arrests were related to the carrying of a flag, but this is not the case.”

Thousands of people took part in the “Unity March” from the Royal Courts of Justice to Trafalgar Square on Saturday.

Around 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers were deployed to monitor the event, which sparked a counter-demonstration by Jeremy Corbyn’s peace and justice group Stand Up To Racism, among others.

Protesters fill the beach in central London. Image: PA
Picture:
Image: PA

Crowds of Tommy Robinson supporters in Trafalgar Square. Photo: PA
Picture:
Crowds of Tommy Robinson supporters in Trafalgar Square. Photo: PA

Tommy Robinson speaks to the crowds in Trafalgar Square. Image: PA
Picture:
Tommy Robinson speaks to the crowds in Trafalgar Square. Image: PA

The counter-demonstrators marched from Russell Square to Whitehall, supported by numerous trade unions, the Stop The War coalition, Unite Against Fascism and others.

Supporters of Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, filled the beach and waved the flags of England, Scotland, Wales and the United Kingdom outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

Chants such as “Rule Britannia”, Mr Robinson’s name, and “We want our country back” could be heard.

One man was seen wearing a T-shirt that read “I identify as English,” while others wore Donald Trump merchandise.

A woman at the “patriotic rally” on Saturday. Photo: PA
Picture:
A woman at the “patriotic rally” on Saturday. Photo: PA

Supporters of Tommy Robinson in central London on Saturday. Image: PA
Picture:
Image: PA

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There were also several Israeli flags flying. At one point, a man carrying a Palestinian flag walked past the protesters and boos from the participants could be heard.

At around 12.45pm they left the Royal Courts of Justice and moved on to a rally in Trafalgar Square.

When they arrived, a band was playing and Mr. Robinson was giving a speech to the crowd.

Ahead of the march, the far-right activist mobilised his followers on social media on Saturday morning, claiming: “Today the people of Britain will send a message to the world.”

“We will not remain silent any longer. WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK.”

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Tommy Robinson supporters draped in St George's and Union Jack flags outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London
Picture:
Protesters outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London

Colin Wingrove, Chief Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police, who is in charge of this weekend’s operation, warned that police would “take decisive action” against protesters who flout strict restrictions on the timing and location of their demonstration.

He added that a “significant number” of officers were deployed as part of a “carefully planned operation” to ensure people’s safety and prevent crime.

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