Nine sought by police after lockdown clashes

LONDON: Police have released images of nine people they would like to speak to after anti-lockdown protests in central London turned violent.

Scotland Yard said 14 officers were injured as they attempted to disperse a crowd of more than 100 people in Hyde Park last Saturday. The group were playing music and gathered closely together, and police asked them to leave the area, highlighting coronavirus regulations.

Missiles were then thrown at the officers, the Metropolitan Police said, with the violence described by one as the “worst I have seen in recent years”. Five of the 14 injured officers required medical treatment.

Detective Chief Inspector Nat Norris said: “These officers were simply trying to do their job and it can never be acceptable for them to be attacked in this way.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.