Outrage over Iranian death spills over into violence and injuries at Hyde Park embassy

At least five police officers have been seriously injured and 12 people arrested after violent disorder broke out near the Iranian Embassy on Sunday.

Large gatherings had taken place outside the embassy in Princes Gate, near Hyde Park, in recent days, as well as in other cities throughout Europe.

It follows a storm of protests in Tehran, the Iranian capital, triggered by the death in custody of 22-year-old Masha Amini, who was arrested by the hardline morality police enforcers for wearing a headscarf in ‘an improper manner’.

Officers on duty reported that while the majority of those who were the embassy on Sunday acted peacefully, a significant group who arrived actively sought to confront officers and protesters from groups they were not in agreement with.

Public order teams with protective equipment including helmets and shields had to be brought in to restore order among the protesters and to protect other officers.

The disorder initially broke out in the immediate vicinity of the embassy before moving to Marble Arch and then to Maida Vale where the Islamic Centre of England was targeted.

Officers were able to protect the security of the building, but in doing so, were subjected to further attacks.

Masonry, bottles and other objects were thrown, and a number of officers were injured. At least five are in hospital with injuries including broken bones.

A dozen people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

Commander Karen Findlay said: “We respect the right of people to protest peacefully and always work with organisers to make that possible, but we will not tolerate unprovoked attacks on our officers as we have seen today or protest that leaves other communities feeling unsafe.

“We have officers in hospital tonight because they were attacked in what was a significant outbreak of violent disorder. We will make sure they get the support they need.

“We have already made a number of arrests, but we know there are people who were not caught tonight who committed serious offences.

“In the coming days, we will be using all the tools at our disposal – including CCTV and other footage – to identify those people and bring them to justice.”

A Section 35 dispersal order has been put in place for the next 48 hours in the area impacted by the disorder.

Pictured top: Iranian embassy in Princes Gate (Picture: Paasikivi/Wikimedia Commons)