A video has been shared on YouTube of the moment when a group of police officers were surrounded by a crowd of ‘anti-lockdown’ protesters in Hyde Park.
During the incident, several officers were sprayed with what appears to be Mace as they tried to reason with the agitated crowd.
The incident happened shortly after 17:00hrs on Saturday, 26 September, when public order officers were faced with what police have described as a ‘non-compliant and ‘hostile’ crowd.
A total of eight officers suffered irritation to their eyes after a toxic substance was used.
In the 9-minute video clip (scroll down for video), the officers can be seen to try and form a protective bubble around some members of the public who had become caught up in the violence, as hundreds of protestors start shouting abuse at them.
Officers can also be seen trying to reason with the crowd, but as the protestors become angrier, missiles are thrown at the officers, forcing them to break through the mob.
During the incident, a protestor can be seen to enter the shot before spraying the officers with the toxic substance.
The protester then disappears back into the crowd as the officers continue to try and move back.
As the officers continue to come under attack, some of the protestors can be heard ‘cackling’ as missiles and objects continue to rein down on the officers.
Another protester then throws a smoke grenade into the circle of the officers as they continue to try and withdraw from the hostile crowd.
After just under eight minutes, the officers manage to withdraw to an area where additional police resources help to keep the violent group from attacking more officers.
Acting Detective Inspector Chris Rudd, the officer in the case, said:
“Fortunately, none of the officers have suffered any lasting effects from this incident.
“However, a noxious substance was indiscriminately sprayed towards them by someone who displayed a disregard for their welfare.
“I would be grateful for any assistance from the public in identifying the man pictured and helping us to bring those responsible for this assault to justice.”
Anyone who has information concerning his whereabouts should contact police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 5268/05MAR21.
To remain 100% anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers.org
Before you go...
We need your help. As former emergency services & armed forces personnel, we pride ourselves on bringing you important, fast-moving and breaking news stories & videos which are free from the negative bias which is often directed at the emergency services & NHS by some sections of the mainstream media.
One of the reasons we started 'Emergency Services News' back in 2018 was because we became tired of reading badly informed stories about the emergency services & NHS which seemed only ever to highlight negative aspects of the job.
We want to be the unheard voice of the remarkable men and women who serve in the emergency services, NHS and armed forces. And with around 500k page views each month, we are getting there!
As income from ads, the mainstay source of income for most publishers, continues to decline; we need the help of you, our readers.
You can support emergency services news from as little as £1. It only takes a minute. Every contribution, however big or small, is vital for our future.
Please help us to continue to highlight the life-saving work of the emergency services, NHS and armed forces by becoming a supporter.
Utterly disgusting behaviour against officers who are in a no win situation, hope they are caught and dealt with severely