Violence after a pro-Palestine demonstration in London saw three police injured while 40 people were arrested.

Organised by a coalition of acvtivists including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the demonstration began at Whitehall shortly before 6pm on Tuesday, May 28.

However, the Metropolitan Police said the turnout of between 8,000 and 10,000 people “significantly exceeded” the level expected, meaning officers asked the protesters to leave by 8pm.

Around a “few hundred” were said to have stayed past the deadline – meaning police said they had the power to arrest them.

The breakaway protest group was eventually contained to Bridge Street, outside Westminster Station.

At around 10pm, police say they began making arrests from the group.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “In total, 40 people were arrested for offences including the breach of Public Order Act conditions, obstruction of the highway and assaults on emergency workers.

“Others were dispersed from the area.”

“Their details were taken and they were informed they remain under investigation in relation to the events of Tuesday evening. Those who refused to provide their details were also arrested.

“Regrettably, three officers were assaulted.

“Two sustained minor injuries while a third, a PC based on the Central West Command Unit, was left with a serious facial injury when she was struck with a bottle thrown from within the crowd.

“The suspect of the assault has not yet been indentified but an invesgitation is under way.”