Senior police officers call for a temporary ban on protests during the coronavirus pandemic following a weekend of clashes
- Far-right protestors hurled missiles, smoke grenades, bottles and flares at police
- Shocking scenes included one yob urinating on a memorial to PC Keith Palmer
- Police Federation chairman called for a ban on demonstrations during the virus
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Senior police officers last night called for a temporary ban on protests during the pandemic following the ugly clashes at the weekend.
Missiles, smoke grenades, bottles and flares were hurled at riot police who tried to move far-right activists away from Whitehall on Saturday.
Shocking scenes included one yob urinating on a memorial to PC Keith Palmer, killed in 2017’s Westminster terror attack.
Shocking scenes included one yob urinating (pictured) on a memorial to PC Keith Palmer, killed in 2017’s Westminster terror attack
Thugs who desecrate war memorials could now face up to ten years in prison under plans being considered by ministers.
Chairman of the Police Federation John Apter yesterday called on Home Secretary Priti Patel to take action to protect officers and the public.
He said: ‘In normal times the principle of having the right to peaceful protests is an important one. However, we are tackling a deadly virus.
‘I urge the Home Secretary to be unequivocal in her terms that while we’re under the threat of this virus, any large gathering or protest must be banned.’
Chairman of the Police Federation John Apter (pictured) yesterday called on Home Secretary Priti Patel to take action to protect officers and the public
Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh called for sites favoured by protesters, such as Trafalgar Square, to be temporarily shut down along with nearby tube stations.
Six police officers were injured and more than 100 people were arrested in Saturday’s protest, which was condemned by Boris Johnson as ‘racist thuggery’.
A man aged 28 was held in Essex yesterday on suspicion of outraging public decency over the PC Palmer incident.