The Metropolitan Police has confirmed five people have been arrested during demonstrations outside a Bob Vylan performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on Tuesday evening.
The arrests occurred as opposing groups gathered to protest and support the controversial punk-rap duo’s concert.
Among those detained was a participant from the pro-Palestine demonstration who faced arrest over chants concerning the Israeli Defence Forces.
Another individual supporting the Stop the Hate campaign was detained following allegations of assault after a confrontation with a fellow demonstrator.
Officers have made five arrests during two protests outside the O2 Forum in Kentish Town this evening.
One man from the pro-Palestine protest was arrested in relation to chants referencing the IDF.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 11, 2025
Three additional arrests were made for violating police-imposed restrictions, with two individuals from the Stop the Hate gathering and one from the pro-Palestine demonstration taken into custody.
Officers remained at the venue as the performance concluded.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that enforcement action was taken against protesters from both demonstrations.
The individual arrested from the pro-Palestine gathering faced charges specifically related to chanting about the IDF, whilst the Stop the Hate protester was detained on suspicion of common assault after an incident with another demonstrator.
Five arrests made outside Bob Vylan concert as protesters clash during performance
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The remaining three arrests involved breaches of Public Order Act conditions that had been imposed to prevent serious disruption.
Two of these individuals were participating in the Stop the Hate demonstration, whilst one was from the pro-Palestine gathering.
Police had established designated zones for each protest group, with Stop the Hate restricted to Fortress Walk and Palestine Coalition supporters confined to Highgate Road. Both demonstrations were required to conclude by 9.30pm.
The controversy stems from Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance earlier this year, where frontman Bobby Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, encouraged festival-goers to chant “Death, death to the IDF” during their West Holts Stage appearance.
The incident prompted Avon and Somerset Constabulary to launch an investigation into potential offences.
Robinson-Foster attended a voluntary police interview on Monday after the force received guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service.
The investigation has been classified as a public order incident whilst enquiries continue.
The backlash resulted in Bob Vylan losing multiple bookings, including Radar Festival and an American tour after their visas were cancelled.
Bob Vylan
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The duo also postponed UK performances in response to calls from Jewish leaders and MPs for cancellations.
The demonstrations had been anticipated by authorities after Stop the Hate announced plans to assemble outside the venue, citing widespread community opposition to the performance.
The advocacy group reported that 1,000 residents had contacted their local council leader to voice concerns about the concert.
A Stop the Hate representative stated: “North London is drawing a line. When an event raises legitimate fears of fuelling anti-Jewish hostility, leaders must act not look the other way.”
The group added: “Our community is tired of being told that concerns about antisemitism will be ‘noted’ and nothing more.
North London deserves protection, not platitudes. We are calling for action, from the venue, from industry leaders, and from the Prime Minister, because our safety and dignity are not optional.”