UNITE FOR FREEDOM
20 March, 2021
Tensions boiled over as police and demonstrators clashed during what seemed to be Londons largest anti-lockdown protest so far, just 3 days before the anniversary of the beginning Englands lockdown.
Protesters organised a 'flash mob' style gathering in Hyde Park before marching along Oxford Street, passing Londons financial district and back to Westminster. Clashes erupted along the route, including outside the BBC centre where crowds expressed their dismay for the corporation, shouting slogans such as "British Brainwashing Corporation!" and accusations of protecting peadophiles. Anger towards the press was also expressed during the march, "Media Scum!" could be heard being shouted towards photographers and videographers on the scene.
The majority of protesters dispersed however a small group were chased back towards Trafalgar Square with a few at the tail end being caught and arrested. Demonstrators threw glass bottles at police as they fled.
Later in the evening police clashed with groups in Hyde Park and once again bottles and beer cans were hurled towards them. The police were quickly chased out of the park and riot police with shields were brought in to help disperse the crowd.
At least 36 people are said to have been arrested.
