Protesters clash in London as far-right EDL marchers met by anti-fascists

Staff reporter(wp/es):

Protesters clashed in central London as far-right supporters were met by anti-fascist campaigners in central London.

A march and rally planned by Britain First and the English Defence League (EDL) is taking place near a counter demonstration from Unite Against Fascism (UAF).

Frantic scenes unfolded when ex-EDL leader Tommy Robinson arrived and a high number of police officers moved to contain potential trouble.

Police said 12 people had been arrested by 2pm as the protests continued through the capital.

Crowds had gathered in Trafalgar Square from around midday and must obey conditions imposed by the Metropolitan Police which include following a set route.

UAF protesters, who appeared to vastly outnumber the far-right, chanted "EDL go to hell" and hundreds of protesters spilled onto the surrounding roads.

Many of those taking part wore masks which covered their faces.

Scotland Yard said on Friday that the information and intelligence available to the Met meant that they felt it necessary to impose the conditions to prevent the demonstrations from resulting in "serious disorder, serious damage to property, serious disruption to the life of the community, and to prevent the intimidation of local people trying to go about their business".

Chief Superintendent Catherine Roper said: "The right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption.

"Experience has shown us that when groups with conflicting views come together it can create tension and disorder, not just on the day itself but in the longer term.

"What we have had to carefully consider is how to balance the right to protest with the negative impact on our communities and potential violence and disorder that may have resulted from these protests going ahead as they were suggested.

"If you want to protest on Saturday, we ask that you do so peacefully, no matter what your view. We will adopt a robust arrest policy on anyone who attends and is intent on violence and disorder, or is in breach of these conditions."

World War Two bomb discovered in Thames on Boat Race route

Staff reporter(wp/es):

An unexploded World War Two bomb is believed to have been discovered on the banks of the Thames in Putney just one day before the Boat Race.

Scotland Yard confirmed they had been called to an area of the Chelsea shoreline close to Putney Bridge just before 1pm on Saturday.

A spokeswoman said: “Police were called at approximately 1.50pm on Saturday  to the Chelsea shoreline by Putney Bridge, following reports of the discovery of what is believed to be World War Two ordnance.

“Officers including the Marine Policing Unit are in attendance.”

The discovery comes just one day before the 163rd Boat race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

The device is believed to be on the route of the iconic annual event.

Police hunt thug after Islington bus passenger punched and attacked on ground

Crime reporter(wp/es):

Police are hunting a thug after a bus passenger was punched in the face before being thrown to the pavement and attacked.

The victim, a 44-year-old, was trying to board a bus near the council offices in Upper Street, Islington, when the man lashed out at him, police say.

He was then hurled on to the ground and attacked as he lay on the floor before the assailant, who was clutching a Waitrose shopping bag, walked off towards Angel.

The injured man was rushed to hospital where he remains, days after the March 28 attack, which took place at around 3.30pm.

Police say the attacker was black, aged from 25 to 35, and of athletic build with short, possibly receding hair.

He wore a smart, dark jacket and dark trousers. Police say the man was between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 11ins tall.

Following the incident, detectives have released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace.