London police seek to ID those in ‘racially aggravated altercation’ at metro station amid anti-Israel protests

The Metropolitan Police are appealing for witnessess following what they described as a “racially aggravated altercation” involving a group of protesters at a London Underground station near a demonstration against Israel’s assault on the Gaza Strip. The incident occurred on Sunday evening as hundreds of activists joined a large rally against what they said was Israeli aggression outside the Israeli embassy in Kensington. Footage of the incident, which has since been widely shared on social media, showed two men, believed to be of Middle Eastern descent, surrounded by a group of predominantly white protesters. The protesters, some of whom appeared to be shouting “Free Palestine”, were seen pushing and grabbing at the pair before a male bystander intervened and they were eventually moved away. The Metropolitan Police are now seeking to identify those involved, launching an investigation into “racially aggravated public order offences”. They said in a statement: “Police are aware of footage circulating online showing an altercation that occurred at a London Underground station at the conclusion of a protest on Sunday evening (11 April). Enquiries are underway to identify all those involved. Anyone who has information that could assist police should call 101 or Tweet @MetCC and quote CAD6855/11APR.”