7 hours ago
Eight arrests as protesters ‘attacked' outside Iranian embassy in London
Eight men have been arrested after anti-regime activists were allegedly assaulted outside the Iranian embassy on Friday morning.
Scores of police officers were deployed to the scene after being alerted to reports of an altercation outside the building in Knightsbridge, west London, just before 10am. Two men were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital.
Officials said their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
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Police imposed conditions stopping protesters from gathering in the area until 1pm on Sunday to 'prevent serious disorder', but one man was arrested for allegedly breaching the civil order. Scotland Yard said seven men were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. All suspects remained in police custody on Friday afternoon.
Amir, 30, a member of a pro-Iranian monarchy group, claimed one of the two injured men suffered a 'broken leg'.
The construction worker, who withheld his surname, said the activists had staged a 'peaceful protest' outside the embassy since the Israeli attacks on Iran began last week.
Amir claimed the members have had 'problems' with supporters of the Islamic regime during that time.
The protest was said to have been an anti-regime demonstration, amid the continuing Israel-Iran conflict. The police said the rally involved both pro and anti-regime protesters.
Pro-Shah protesters were seen flying different flags supporting Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, including the national flag used before the 1979 Islamist revolution.
Officers were seen on patrol in the area to monitor the situation after cordons were lifted later in the afternoon.
Pro-Iranian monarchy protesters told The Times they were told to disperse and dismantle flags and banners festooned on railings opposite the embassy.
The Metropolitan Police said: 'Officers are on scene in Princes Gate, SW7, following an altercation during a protest.
'They were called at 9.53am on Friday. Conditions have since been put in place to prevent serious disorder.'
The police said that eight men remained in police custody and that the two men treated at the scene were in hospital.
London Ambulance Service added: 'We were called at 9.56am on [Friday] to reports of an assault in Princes Gate.
'We sent a number of resources to the scene including ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars and our tactical response unit. We treated two patients at the scene and took one to hospital and one to a major trauma centre.'
The attack unfolded as the war between Israel and Iran continued to escalate and both nations engaged in missile strikes.
President Trump said that he would decide in the next fortnight whether or not the US would intervene in the conflict.
