Tower Bridge chaos as Pro-Palestine mob let off flares as police swarm scene
City of London Police officers have rushed to the scene as a mob of pro-Palestine protestors have sparked chaos in central London.
A mob of pro-Palestine protestors have sparked chaos in central London as emergency services have rushed to the scene.
Flares have been let off at Tower Bridge on the River Thames on Saturday afternoon, as activists wave flags and chanting "free, free Palestine" to the sound of drummers.
A spokesperson for City of London police said: "Tower Bridge is currently closed due to protest activity. Officers are in attendance at the scene."
A separate video posted online shows hundreds of protestors waving Palestinian flags, clapping, singing and blasting music while traffic has completely ground to a halt.
It comes as tensions have risen in the capital over the past few days, after the Met Police came under fire for allowing 100ft high words from the slogan “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” to be projected onto the side of Big Ben.
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Met Police brought into help City of London officers
The City of London Police confirmed that Tower Bridge reopened at around 6.25pm after protestors sparked chaos and let off flares on the iconic tourist attraction, bringing traffic to a grinding halt.
A spokesperson for the force confirmed that Met Police officers were called in to assist in dealing with the incident.
Tower Bridge reopened at around 6:25pm following an earlier protest. Thanks to @metpoliceuk for their assistance.
\u2014 City of London Police (@CityPolice) February 24, 2024
Tensions rise in London after months of protests
Tensions have escalated in London over the past week after months of protests, which started after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 8, which then led Israel to bombard Gaza in what PM Benhamin Netanyahu is calling retaliatory attacks.
Earlier this week, the Met Police came under fire for allowing 100ft high words from the slogan “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” to be projected onto the side of Big Ben.
Tower Bridge reopens to traffic
A spokesperson for City of London Police has confirmed that Tower Bridge has now reopened to traffic, writing on X: "Tower Bridge has now reopened. Thank you for your patience."
It is unknown whether any arrests have been made as a result of the brief protest in central London.
Tower Bridge has now reopened. Thank you for your patience.
\u2014 City of London Police (@CityPolice) February 24, 2024
Video shows chaos at the scene
Pictures and video posted to social media show the extent of the chaos at the scene.
Eyewitness Stevie Hayes shared footage of flares being set off at the popular London tourist attraction, which is also a major road across the River Thames.
The bridge is currently closed to traffic and pedestrians, according to the City of London Police.
Tower Bridge under the protest pic.twitter.com/gzP0mtfIOm
\u2014 Stevie Hayes\ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08 (@SDH_Jr) February 24, 2024
City of London Police issue statement as Tower Bridge forced to close
A spokesperson for City of London Police wrote on social media: "Tower Bridge is currently closed due to protest activity. Officers are in attendance at the scene."
Tower Bridge is currently closed due to protest activity. Officers are in attendance at the scene. pic.twitter.com/HCnCo6uMwS
\u2014 City of London Police (@CityPolice) February 24, 2024
Welcome to our live coverage
Good evening, my name is Sam Ormiston and I will be bringing you live updates after a mob of pro-Palestine protestors have sparked chaos in central London.
Do you have any photos or information? If so, please email sam.ormiston@reachplc.com