Pro-Palestine supporters chant 'State of Israel must go' as angry scenes unfold in London

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators called for the "State of Israel to go" as thousands of people marched through London today.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) event began from noon today, with a planned counter protest by pro-Israel group Enough is Enough at the same point.

The Met Police used powers to put conditions on the protests to try to separate the groups and "minimise serious disruption".

But video of angry clashes between the two groups was uploaded to social media.

In one video clip posted on X Enough is Enough people were branded "a bunch of Zionists" by pro Palestinians with other insults exchanged between the two groups.

One group in the pro-Palestinian march was filmed singing that the State of Israel should be brought to an end.

In another video clip posted on X they could be heard to chant over and over to backing music: "Judaism yes, Zionism no, the State of Israel must go."

There was also a picture posted of a man who appeared to be dressed in a Hamas outfit.

The Met Police posted on X: "A mixed group of protesters, some in support of the PSC and others against, have gathered on Waterloo Bridge above the main PSC march.

"Officers are with the group and engaging to prevent a breach of the peace."

Superintendent Martin Kirby, who is leading policing in London this weekend, said: "As always the goal is to protect the right to peaceful protest while minimising the impact of these events, including on London's Jewish communities.

"Police do not have the power to ban protest unless there is a risk of serious disorder.

"We have been liaising with the PSC throughout this week and will have a significant number of officers on duty to maintain law and order.

"Officers will be on hand to ensure the events pass off without issue and will step in to deal with any crime or disorder should it occur.

"We will be visible and engaging with those involved in the events and if you see anything of concern we would ask you to talk to officers in the area."

Since the Hamas atrocities of October 7, the force has used conditions under the Public Order Act "more extensively than during any other period of protest in recent memory," she said.