Violence breaks out between masked protesters and police on pro-Palestinian march through centre of London just days after October 7 anniversary

Violence has broken out between pro-Palestine protesters and police on Saturday as thousands marched through central London to protest the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, just days after the third anniversary of October 7.As they proceeded through central London, many held Palestinian flags and posters and banners expressing support for those in Gaza.But tensions rose as police moved in to make several arrests on Victoria Embankment, with angry protesters scuffling with officers as they called for police to let them go.The Metropolitan Police has imposed conditions on the march, which is organised by the Palestine Coalition, and a counter protest, to 'minimise the risk of serious disruption to communities'.The force anticipated between 7,000 and 10,000 demonstrators will attend, as they gathered at Embankment around midday.Protesters have been warned they could be arrested if they refuse to remove face masks.And shortly after 2pm officers moved in to arrest individuals from a crowd of activists.It came as thousands of demonstrators were walking by the Metropolitan Police headquarters, with some shouting 'shame on you' at a smaller group of pro-Israel supporters. As tempers flared, police dragged one man away to the side and chaos ensued.Officers encircled at least two protesters who they detained on the ground and arrested - only for many more activists, many holding Revolutionary Communist Party flags, surrounded police. Scuffles between pro-Palestine protesters and police broke out on Saturday as thousands marched through central London to protest the treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, just days after the third anniversary of October 7 Police had to fight to maintain a protective barrier after pulling several protesters from the crowd Shortly after 2pm officers moved in to arrest individuals from a crowd of activists A man is detained by police outside the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police A throng ensued as activists lashed out as police arrested several protesters The violence broke out as police arrested several activists and were surrounded by protesters, many holding flags associated with the Revolutionary Communist Party The force anticipated between 7,000 and 10,000 demonstrators will attend the pro-Palestine march, which gathered at Embankment around midday A woman is arrested by police during the pro-Palestine march through central London today Despite having a protective cordon of officers in place, small pockets of violence broke out as protesters appeared to push and shove through, as chants of 'let them go' were heard.Abuse was shouted towards officers, who drew their batons to force the crowd back. After one man was hauled to his feet, a man livestreaming the event asked him: 'What have you been arrested for?''I punched him in the face,' the protester replied. Shouts included 'f*** the police' and 'shame on you', with anti-police chants from the recent riots in France also heard. As reinforcements arrived, officers were able to forcibly push activists back to remove the arrested individuals from the scene. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin said: 'We know Saturday's event, so close to the third anniversary of the terror attack on Israel, has the potential to have a greater impact on communities than the previous national marches.'Mr Galvin, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said the force's presence on Saturday will be 'significant'.'We will also be using powers under the Public Order Act requiring anyone in the protest area wearing face coverings to deliberately conceal their identity to remove them,' Mr Galvin continued.Under the act, the police have the power to arrest someone who refuses to remove a mask, he added. Thousands lined the streets for a pro-Palestine march in central London, pictured here passing Big Ben People waved Palestinian flags and banners and chanted as they moved along the streets Up to 10,000 demonstrators are expected to take part in the National March For Palestine Protesters have been warned they could be arrested if they refuse to remove face masks A counter protest by Stop The Hate also gathered outside New Scotland Yard The march is taking place just three days after the third anniversary of October 7 was marked Pro-Palestine protesters hold placards calling for a permanent ceasefire in GazaHe said: 'And we will do so if we see groups of people who refuse and are covering their faces with the intention to hide their identity, intimidate and commit offences. That is unacceptable.'But for individual cases, officers must carefully assess why a person is wearing a mask and respond in a measured way.'The Met has imposed conditions on the march and requires the group to travel via Westminster Bridge, York Road, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand on to Whitehall – with a rally concluding by 6.30pm.The force has said that any speeches and music must conclude by 5.30pm.A counter protest by Stop The Hate is also due to take place outside New Scotland Yard on Saturday, with the force saying it has been in contact with representatives from the group.The force has also imposed conditions on the demonstration 'to minimise the risk of serious disruption'.Demonstrators must remain within a designated area outside the Met's headquarters, with the assembly concluding at 2.30pm.The Palestine Coalition organising the march includes Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War, CND, Muslim Association of Britain, Friends of Al Aqsa and Palestinian Forum in Britain.A National March for Palestine was also expected to take place in Edinburgh today.