Anti-capitalist protesters clashed with police last night as they took over iconic areas of London in a bid to blockade the capital.
Ten people were arrested, including three on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, as thousands joined the Million Mask March organised by internet activist group Anonymous.
Actor Russell Brand and designer Vivienne Westwood joined crowds outside parliament wearing Guy Fawkes masks which have become the symbol for Anonymous.
Protesters gathered in cities around the world to protest against a range of issues, including capitalism, war, ‘institutional paedophilia’ and pro-Palestine movements.
London had one of the biggest scenes of disarray as crowds in Parliament Square later moved in groups towards other areas including Buckingham Palace and the BBC’s studios in Portland Place, just off Regent Street.
Large numbers of riot police were present and had to use their batons as protesters threw metal barriers, traffic cones and sticks at rows of police.
A police officer was seen to be hit with a firework outside Buckingham Palace and a man in his 30s is being questioned today by police.
The Met Police accused Anonymous of a complete lack of prior engagement, with Chief Superintendent Pippa Mills, saying: “Police officers this evening worked under challenging conditions. Despite numerous attempts, the organisers refused to engage with us ahead of the evening’s events.
“Our policing operation and work with our partners ensured that on the whole the event passed off without major incident.”
