Eight people have been charged following violent disorder that erupted during protests in central London at the weekend. The Metropolitan Police said the majority of incidents were linked to Tommy Robinson's Unite the Kingdom rally on Saturday.
Between 110,000 and 150,000 people attended the right-wing activist's demonstration, while around 5,000 participated in an anti-racism counter-protest. Several incidents of violent disorder occurred during the events, prompting police action across the capital.
Court appearances
Three men appeared before magistrates on Monday facing serious charges. Richard Hamilton, 42, of Braeside Place, Glasgow, was charged with assault on an emergency worker and remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Matthew Wilkins, 55, of Villa Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire, was charged with breaching Section 14 of the Public Order Act and disrupting a person engaged in lawful activity. He was also remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Jamie Brewer, 35, of Choat Place, Chelmsford, Essex, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court charged with actual bodily harm against a police officer. All three defendants were denied bail following their court appearances.
Defendants released on bail
Five other defendants were granted bail with future court dates scheduled. Lewis Siverns, 33, of Farmer Way, Sandwell, West Midlands, was charged with assault on an emergency worker and bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 1.
Aaron Wren, 36, of Kingswear Garden, Rochester, Kent, was charged under Section 4A of the Public Order Act and bailed to appear at Highbury Magistrates' Court on September 29. James Moore, 50, of Pulchrass Street, Barnstaple, Devon, was charged with common assault on a police officer and bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 13.
Paul Newman, 56, of Park Road East, Uxbridge, west London, was charged with breach of a dispersal order and bail conditions not to enter the Borough of Westminster. He was bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on October 13, the same day as Norman Richards, 58, of Buckles Lane, Thurrock, Essex, who was charged with assault on a police officer and bailed to appear at Bromley Magistrates' Court.
Ongoing investigation
Police have released photographs of eleven people they wish to trace in connection with the disorder. Officers want to speak to them regarding public order offences and assaults on emergency services workers.
Detective Chief Inspector Natalie Norris said: "Public order policing doesn't end when the event is over and since Saturday our teams have been working to identify those involved in any criminality. Our post-event investigation is ongoing and officers have trawled through hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and continue to review evidence to help with inquiries."
The Met is asking the public across the country to examine the photographs, acknowledging that participants may have travelled from outside London. Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
