Police have arrested six activists after a pro-Palestine rally outside a synagogue in north London.
Footage on social media shows police detaining protestors after a clash occurred outside of Edgware United Synagogue in London this morning, while others were seen holding framed images of Iran’s ayatollah.
In a statement on X, the Metropolitan Police said: “There is an increased police presence in Edgware this afternoon due to today’s event at Edgware United Synagogue and protest and counter-protest.
“Six protesters have been arrested so far for public order offences and criminality will not be tolerated.
Commander Adam Slonecki, who is in charge of policing London today, said: “We have liaised with the venue and the Community Security Trust and have deployed officers to prevent serious disruption and to deal with any offences, using the full range of powers available to us including imposing conditions under the Public Order Act.
“We are mindful that Jewish communities are experiencing heightened fear and concern following two-and-a-half years of sustained protest and, in recent months, a series of arsons and other attacks.
“There is a distinction between protesting in central London and protesting in the heart of communities where the potential to cause serious disruption and intimidation is greater and our policing plan reflects that.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews Acting President, Adrian Cohen, said in a statement: “We are deeply disturbed at the wholly unjustified protest called for this morning outside a North-West London Synagogue.
Six people have been arrested so far after a clash near Edgware United Synagogue
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“The event organisers have publicly refuted claims that the event is marketing real estate over the Green Line. It is very disappointing that MPs and other public figures have not acknowledged this and instead inflamed tensions through partial and misleading commentary.
“Protesting at a synagogue based on false pretences seems to be little more than an excuse to harass and intimidate the Jewish community.
“We have been in touch with the Metropolitan Police calling for protestors to be kept from intimidating members of the community, to police robustly any examples of hate speech, and to provide reassurance to the local community.
“We are calling on the police to ensure such protests are kept a significant distance from places of worship to prevent intimidation to members of the Jewish community.”
GB News has contacted the Home Office for comment.